'From 5 to 55 Acres': Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram Revamp Nears Completion
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram restoration project in Ahmedabad has reached 95% completion, with 36 original buildings restored and the campus expanded from 5 to 55 acres.
95% Restoration Work Complete
The Sabarmati Ashram, established by Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the Sabarmati river in 1917, served as a major centre of India's freedom movement until 1930. The restoration is being carried out under the Gandhi Ashram Memorial Development Project.
Restoration of the original buildings has been completed in their traditional architectural style, while work on pathways, block laying and other remaining infrastructure is underway.
Among the restored structures are as follow :
- Sardar Kutir
- Rangshala
- Ashram School
- Old Kitchen
- Udyog Mandir
- Young India
- Bal Mandir
- Anand Bhavan
- Old Hand Paper Factory
- Somnath Hostel
- Other residential and institutional buildings
Museum and exhibition work will now begin inside the restored structures.
1.78 Lakh Plants and Trees Added
The expanded campus has also undergone extensive landscaping. So far, 6,998 trees, 63,986 shrubs and 1,03,178 ground-cover plants have been planted, taking the total to more than 1.78 lakh plants and trees.
A forest buffer has been developed around the campus to reduce outside noise.
The 'Mohan to Mahatma Yatra Garden' traces Gandhi's journey from his early life as Mohan to his transformation into Mahatma Gandhi. Plants and trees representing different stages of his life have been arranged across 10 colour themes.
A lake has also been developed along the route, while a herbal garden features plants associated with different parts of the human body and traditional health uses.
Museum to Cover Gandhi's Life and Values
Under the project, 22 buildings will house museum and exhibition spaces dedicated to Gandhi's life and values.
While 95% of the building restoration has been completed, around 70% of infrastructure work, including pathways, is complete. Exhibition work in the new buildings is yet to begin.
The content approval process is currently underway. Once the content is approved, exhibition work is expected to begin on site after around three months.
The project also includes visitor facilities such as an orientation centre, parking, food court and rain forest, aimed at supporting visitors to the expanded ashram campus.
