Nagpur’s iconic Zero Mile Stone, a landmark deeply tied to India’s colonial-era mapping history, continues to suffer severe neglect despite repeated warnings from the judiciary and heritage experts.
Installed in 1907 as part of the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India, this sandstone pillar once served as the central reference point for measuring distances across undivided India. Over a century later, the monument stands in a dilapidated condition, surrounded by overgrown vegetation that obscures its base, hides inscriptions, and even covers the crucial “Zero” marking on the board behind it.
The damage extends beyond aesthetics. As a key symbol of Nagpur’s historical identity, the neglected monument disappoints visitors who come hoping to capture photos of what is popularly called the “centre of India.” Instead, they find a worn-out roadside marker. This neglect is especially glaring given the stone’s prominent location near Vidhan Bhavan, with the city gearing up to host the State Legislature’s Winter Session in early December.
A suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) addressing years of neglect remains pending before the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court. In August 2024, the court reprimanded authorities for failing to allocate funds, provide security, or begin conservation efforts.
Although a restoration proposal backed by the government and corporate CSR partners exists, progress remains stalled. Officials blame bureaucratic delays, land-use disputes, and administrative inertia for the lack of action.
For now, the Zero Mile Stone stands as a stark symbol of official apathy rather than a proud marker of national heritage. Increasing pressure mounts on the administration to follow the High Court’s directives and restore this monument before temporary neglect turns into permanent loss.
