Sabarmati: Last week India celebrated its 75 years of Independence and on the same day, Ahmedabad’s iconic Sabarmati Riverfront also completed a decade. Keeping the interest of tourists and visitors in mind, another attraction has been added with the construction of a foot over bridge between Ellis Bridge (Swami Vivekanand Bridge) and Sardar Bridge. This 300-metre bridge which connects the east and west side of Sabarmati Riverfront will be inaugurated by the hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

This bridge will provide connectivity to Multi Level Car Parking and various public development on East and West Bank from plaza between Flower Park and Event Ground at West Bank to proposed Art / Cultural / Exhibition Centre on East Bank. The bridge which is unique in its design – both technically and visually – will also augment the status of the Riverfront as well as of the city and will become an engineering marvel.

City’s Connection with Sabarmati River

Ahmedabad always had a strong association with Sabarmati River which flows from the center of the city. Prominent institutions and industries were built around this river in the mid-twentieth century when this city was emerging as a textile hub of India. Around 1915, Mahatma Gandhi also built his ashram on the western bank of this river. For years, the river was the only source of water for the city. But due to rapid industrialisation and growing population, Sabarmati’s ecological health started to decline post 1950.

Looking at this grim situation, one of the earliest proposals for Sabarmati project came from Bernard Kohn, a French architect who lived in the city around 1960s. In the coming years, several committees were formed but their efforts had certain shortcomings. However,  Narendra Modi who became the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001, laid his trust on Dr Bimal Patel, a well-known architect who has given shape to number of Modi’s dream projects over the years.

Plan and deliver

Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had already formed a special purpose vehicle, the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL), to undertake the development of the riverfront. Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO), a large national level infrastructure funding agency, also provided loan for this project. But the most crucial factor was the political will of Narendra Modi and the SRFDCL board which had diverse members from bureaucracy, political representatives from AMC, along with professional and technical specialists.

Initially, the board did the feasibility test and a proper planning was envisioned considering factors such as: making riverfront accessible to public; controlling the sewage flow and keep river pollution free; reducing erosion risk; building riverfront parks and promenades; improving the connectivity between east and west sides of the city; and rejuvenating the surrounding settlements.

The pilot project began in 2004 and subsequently a bulk of resettlement works were implemented to ensure that no one was adversely affected. Process of land acquisition also led to some delay in the project but today Sabarmati Riverfront has become the identity of Ahmedabad.

After years of strategical planning, consensus-building efforts, and major infrastructure improvements, the city was revialtised. More sustainable alternatives were provided to divert the treated sewage from treatment plants.

While inaugurating the walkway and water rides in 2012, Narendra Modi dedicated these projects to the people of India.

Place of cultural heritage

In no time, Sabarmati riverfront has gained a cultural importance for the residents. The project which was aimed to provide Ahmedabad with a meaningful waterfront environment along the banks of the Sabarmati River and to redefine an identity of Ahmedabad around the river has succeeded big time. The place not only signifies the sustainable development but also brings people closer to nature. Fitness enthusiasts come here often for morning walk and jogging. People also celebrate events and festivals here.

DeshGujarat