The lake remains neglected even as the AMC makes elaborate plans to beautify waterbodies
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has put together an extensive plan to beautify water bodies especially lakes and Kharicut canal for water conservation. The civic body is in the process of deepening lakes and planting saplings. However, contrary to their efforts, the Asarwa Lake is perishing in darkness due to neglect.
The lake was revitalised and opened to public on October 1, 2012. A lakefront with garden space was later developed and the civic body erected 104 light poles to light up the place and make it accessible. To the dismay of the citizens, 100 of those light poles now stand non-functional, without any attention from the civic body for over two years.
"We have made several complaints to authorities. After 7pm, it becomes difficult to keep a watch or even take a walk inside. The space is huge and needs proper lights. Joggers and public ask us for solution, but we are helpless as even we don't have any clue of when the lights will be fixed," said one of the security guards at the lake.
Last year, civic officials had installed halogen lights at two places but it is not sufficient for the entire space. "We need a proper and permanent solution," said a guard.
Standing Committee Chairperson Pravin Patel said: "We are aware of the issue and it has been discussed many a time during standing committee meeting. There are some anti-social elements who have cut down the electricity cables. We are considering power supply to the light poles through over-head cables."
"The ruling party has given a call to re-develop the water bodies," said Leader of Opposition Dinesh Sharma. "How many times will they do this? They are just diverting the issue as they don't have a solution for the existing problem. The lake was re-developed with crores of rupees, and they can't maintain that."
STATE OF AFFAIRS
- The lake was revitalised & opened for public in 2012.
- Lakefront with garden space was later developed & the civic body erected 104 light poles.
- 100 of those light poles now stand non-functional
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 "Asarwa Lake")
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