Amdavadis’ wait to walk the ‘cultural mile’ along the Sabarmati riverfront just got longer. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has put on hold its plans to construct the path along the river.
While commissioning the riverfront project, Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL) had planned a cultural mile spread over one lakh sq metres between Sardar Bridge and Vivekanand Bridge. Several added features including museums, galleries, amphitheatres, exhibition centre, and concert halls were planned for the stretch.
As per an SRFDCL official, this ambitious project has been put on hold due to lack of funds. Interestingly, the question is who will invest in or get involved in the construction of the stretch.
Speaking to DNA, an official of AMC on the condition of anonymity stated, “We have not decided what features to include on the ‘cultural mile’. We might have a combination of several aspects or maybe a few of them separately. So far, no party or firm has shown interest in the project, so we have put the
proposal on hold.”
When contacted, municipal commissioner Guruprasad Mohapatra said, “Presently, decision has not been taken on whether or not to go for public private partnership (PPP) as well as how much SRFDCL will invest.” The civic body is presently working on construction of three projects- dhobighat, weekly market and two gardens at the riverfront.
“The decision on the kind of structures and buildings to be constructed along the cultural mile and how much to spend will be taken only after Development Control Regulations (DCR) manual is prepared. The DCR is in preparation stage which will be ready in couple of months. Hence, the model and design of the construction which should have been prepared is not ready yet as there is still ambiguity about the project. The ‘cultural mile’ was expected to give the city a different platform for art, culture and entertainment,” said Mohapatra.
He also said that while the construction of the lower promenade at the riverfront is going on, the cultural mile will be considered only after DCR is prepared.
