Gujarat University Project Row: Congress Alleges ₹25.11 Crore Irregularity After Arboretum Replaced by Nakshatra Van

Congress has alleged financial irregularities in two Gujarat University projects worth a combined ₹25.11 crore, claiming a ₹9.55 crore arboretum plan was replaced by a ₹15.56 crore Nakshatra Van after a change in vice chancellor.

Congress Questions Project Change

Gujarat University Congress Committee spokesperson Dr Parthivrajsinh Kathwadia alleged that the arboretum project was approved during the tenure of former Vice Chancellor Himanshu Pandya.

A tender worth ₹9.55 crore was issued for the project, with an 18-month completion period. Jaypee Infrastructure was reportedly awarded the contract, while Auctors was appointed as the consultancy agency.

According to Congress, the project was later abandoned after Neerja Gupta took over as Vice Chancellor. A new Nakshatra Van project was subsequently planned at the same location.

₹15.56 Crore Nakshatra Van Project

Congress claims the new project was valued at ₹15.56 crore and was to be completed within six months.

The contract was allegedly awarded to Karan Construction, while Torson Agency was appointed as the consultant.

Kathwadia questioned why the earlier project was replaced, why the contractor and consultancy agency were changed and how the fresh project received approval.

The Congress has alleged that the two projects together involved contracts worth ₹25.11 crore and has demanded a high-level inquiry into the entire process.

Botanical Garden Allegedly Destroyed

Congress also alleged that the project resulted in the demolition of a long-maintained botanical garden near the university's Botany Department.

According to Kathwadia, the garden contained more than 150 species of plants, herbs and trees, including rare varieties. He claimed that Botany and Geology students used the site for academic research.

Congress alleged that the garden was cleared using bulldozers after work on the Nakshatra Van project began.

Peacock Habitat and Wetlands Under Question

Kathwadia further claimed that the botanical garden had served as a habitat and breeding area for peacocks, with more than 40 peacocks reportedly seen in the area at one point.

He alleged that the removal of the garden affected the peacock population and raised questions over the responsibility for approving its demolition.

Congress has also alleged that three natural wetlands at the university site have disappeared.

The party claimed that the wetlands had supported several bird species and formed part of the university's documented flora and fauna.

Congress Demands High-Level Probe

Congress has questioned whether the Botany Department was adequately informed about the project and who approved the removal of the botanical garden and wetlands.

The party has sought an inquiry covering the original ₹9.55 crore arboretum tender, the subsequent ₹15.56 crore Nakshatra Van project, changes in contractors and consultants, and the removal of the garden and wetland areas.

The allegations have not been independently established. Congress has demanded strict action if the proposed investigation finds financial irregularities, procedural violations or environmental damage.