In a significant push for public health and fitness, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has announced an ambitious plan to develop dedicated yoga studios across all zones of the diamond city. This initiative marks a major expansion of the city's wellness infrastructure, moving beyond the existing network of public exercise equipment.
First Studio to Rise in Nana Varachha
The inaugural facility under this project will be constructed at Maharana Pratap Garden in the Nana Varachha area. The civic body has sanctioned an estimated budget of Rs 1.45 crore for building this first-of-its-kind public yoga studio in Surat. According to SMC officials, the project is being developed in strict adherence to the guidelines laid down by the state's Urban Development and Urban Housing Department.
Design, Capacity, and Safety Features
The upcoming studio is designed to be a spacious and secure environment for practitioners. It will have the capacity to accommodate 64 people at a single time, allowing for large group sessions. To ensure safety and proper monitoring, the facility will be equipped with comprehensive CCTV surveillance systems. This move is seen as a structured effort to institutionalize yoga practice within the community.
Building on a Culture of Fitness
An SMC official highlighted that this project is a natural progression of their earlier efforts to promote public health. "Earlier, SMC installed exercise equipment in public gardens, which has been well received. With these yoga studios, we aim to further encourage a culture of fitness and wellbeing," the official stated. The corporation currently operates several sports complexes and gyms across Surat using a public-private partnership model.
The rollout of additional studios in other parts of the city will be strategically planned based on the public response and utilization of this first facility in Nana Varachha. This phased approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to areas with the highest demand from citizens.
This initiative positions Surat as a forward-thinking city actively investing in the holistic wellness of its residents, aligning with broader national health and fitness goals.
