In an attempt to revive the project, the Sabarmati Riverbank Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL) has invited expressions of interest (EoI) for constructing a “signature structure cum meditation and yoga centre” between Ambedkar Bridge and Vasna Barrage on the west bank of Ahmedabad.
Eighteen consultants have been invited for the project, which is estimated to cost around Rs 200-250 crore and will be spread over an area of 1,500 square metres. Other features of the centre, which will also host recreational activities, will include a 15-20 metre high observation deck. The maximum height of the “iconic structure” has been proposed to be 20-25 metres.
Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner M Thenarasan told The Indian Express: “Keeping in mind the tranquility and peace around the riverfront, the centre is aimed at providing a place where people can come, sit and enjoy.”
“There is greenery on one side and water on the other, separated by Vasna Barrage, the widest stretch along the riverbank. To provide a tranquil haven from the hustle and bustle of the hectic city, a biodiversity park has been created along the west bank of the Sabarmati river, from Ambedkar Bridge to Vasna Barrage, with around seven hectares of green space and 200 species of plants. Taking this further, the idea is to create an iconic structure at the centre of this biodiversity park, with a tranquil place for spiritual concentration and meditation,” Jagdish Patel, Chief General Manager, SRFDCL told This Radha.
After scrutinizing the applications under EoI, 18 consultants have been shortlisted and will present their conceptual designs before an evaluation committee decided by SRFDCL, officials said. This is scheduled for the last week of June. The selected engineering consultants will have to develop a theme and concept for the proposed meditation-cum-yoga centre. Once the theme and concept are approved, a sketch design of the proposed meditation-cum-yoga centre and necessary drawings with all details will be prepared. Surveying and soil investigation will also be carried out at the site.
The idea was proposed around eight years ago in 2015-16 and was also taken to EoI for design. The proposed designs were also submitted by shortlisted consultants. However, sources said the idea could not proceed beyond the pre-construction stage and was postponed due to ongoing riverside development in the area.
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