Like Minaldevi, the legendary queen who changed the shape of a lake to save a hut, civic body is welcoming people’s suggestions to makes changes in Riverfront project.
Folklore goes that a poor old woman requested Minaldevi, mother of Solanki ruler Siddharaj Jaysinh, not to remove her hut in the pursuit to develop a lake. This was towards the end of the 11th century, and the lake was called Malav Talav. Minal Devi compromised on the original design of the lake in order to save the old woman's hut. Till date, Malva Talav is also often referred to as the pond of justice.
In 2010, a couple requests the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to change the seating arrangements on the promenades of the riverfront model on the east bank, near Subhash bridge. They say they wish to enjoy the beauty of the Sabarmati river, and be able to enjoy each other's company undisturbed. Municipal Commissioner IP Gautam compromises on the original plan, and instructs that the seating be altered, in order to give priority to the citizens' demands.
It seems modern Ahmedabad has learnt some lessons from ancient Gujarat. The AMC's Sabarmati riverfront project, which has caused thousands of huts on the riverbank to be relocated and vendors uprooted, can in no way be called a 'project of justice'. However, it may go down as urban Ahmedabad's first inclusive project, where ideas put forth by citizens are being considered.
The AMC is sparing a thought for citizens' suggestions, in order to include them in the original design and improve facilities given to them. The civic body has readied the model stretch on the eastern river bank near Subhash bridge, to give residents an idea of how the area will look when the project is completed, and to get feedback about the facilities.
Gautam said that since April this year, when the stretch was opened, they have been receiving suggestions from people who visit the area.
“We have experts to provide us the very best of project designs. But we wanted to know the people's take on facilities like seating arrangements, educational and informative activities, and amenities in gardens," he said.
Gautam stated that they have received several different kinds of suggestions from people. "Some have suggested raising the height of the railing at the end of the promenades, to make them safe for the kids. The idea is to understand people's expectations from the project as the basic idea is to create a public space where Amdavadis can spend their leisure time comfortably," he said.
AMC officials had posted people on the stretch, to note down suggestions from those visiting the site. So far, the AMC has received suggestions like using eco-friendly solar lights, increasing seating for visitors, and having display boards to inform people about different activities along the 11-km stretch on the east and west bank of the river. Some have suggested starting a boating service in the river, as well as initiating a water transport service.
Gautam said they have been taking different delegations to visit the project site, in order to get views on how to improve the project.
"But we expect more people to visit the place and give us their feedback, so that we can improve the facilities,” he said.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}