THE GUJARAT GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO REVIVE THE SABARMATI RIVER FRONT PROJECT AFTER MORE THAN FOUR DECADES IT WAS CONCEIVED. I DECIDED TO FIND OUT THE PROGRESS MADE SO FAR

Ahmedabad is separated by Sabarmati River. To the west lies the modern city and towards the east is the old city. In 2002, the Gujarat government in order to give the riverbank a modern and vibrant look, decided to revive the four decades old project. The objective behind the project was to develop the nine km stretch from Subash Bridge to vasna barrage into a commercially viable hotspot full of restaurants, malls, multiplexes and hotels.

However, before the project could officially take off, various opposition to its implementation have been raised. The Sabarmati River Front Development Company Limited is the special purpose vehicle formed for that purpose. The project, which will be implemented by the AMC, has been bombarded with various objections and questions have been raised on the feasibility of the project.

Since its inception, the project has been viewed as anti poor. It does not hold good for the poor masses that dot the riverbed. The project will displace many and will add more miseries and sufferings rather bring them any benefit. On one side, it has commercial advantages, since it will change the riverbed forever, will give a modern and vibrant look and will attract huge crowds.

On the other hand, this commercial viability will not augur well for the poor masses that cannot afford to vacate the place where they have been staying for long. The result is that the there are ample chances of the project becoming an absolute failure.

During the monsoon, overflowing dams and barrages nearby flood the river jeopardising people’s lives and submerge the establishment in the riverbed. Such a situation was visible; when three lakh cusecs of water was released into the river and the sidewalks,  was completely submerged.

Though on records the project has created some excitement into peoples mind, it is viewed by some to be a political gimmick to win votes in the forthcoming assembly elections in December.

Since it is unlikely that the project will be implemented during the monsoon season, it is a wait and see policy for the promoters of the project given the criticism it has received. It is not sensible on the part of government officials and AMC to splash money on such an unviable project that may end up as a complete embarrassment for the government.