Union Home Minister and Gandhinagar Member of Parliament Amit Shah is set to inaugurate the newly redeveloped Vastrapur Lake in Ahmedabad this Sunday. This event marks the public reopening of the popular urban water body after it remained closed for nearly two years for extensive renovation work.
Major Civic Inaugurations and Foundation Stones
During the ceremony, Amit Shah will not only open the lake but also lay the foundation stone for a series of new civic initiatives and inaugurate several completed projects. The collective value of these inaugurated works and new foundations is a substantial Rs 1,506.90 crore. The redevelopment of Vastrapur Lake itself was undertaken by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) at a cost of Rs 12.49 crore.
Citizens returning to the lake will experience upgraded amenities and new infrastructure. However, they will also encounter a new policy: an entry fee of Rs 10, which is being implemented for the first time. In addition to Vastrapur, Shah will inaugurate the newly developed Sarkhej Shakari Lake, which was constructed at a cost of Rs 16.21 crore.
Breakdown of Projects and Housing Schemes
The minister's schedule includes launching 26 completed civic works with a total cost of Rs 397.12 crore. He will also oversee the draw for housing units constructed under two separate urban poor housing schemes, which are valued at Rs 127.67 crore. Furthermore, foundation stones for 30 new projects, amounting to Rs 982.11 crore, will be laid during the event, signaling continued investment in the city's infrastructure.
Extensive Redevelopment of Vastrapur Lake
Vastrapur Lake was originally closed for redevelopment in February 2024, with an initial completion timeline of six months. The project, however, faced delays due to design revisions and an expansion in its scope. The comprehensive renovation includes several key improvements aimed at longevity and visitor experience.
The key features of the redevelopment are:
- Construction of an RCC wall along both the lower and upper walkways.
- Installation of new grills along the inner promenade.
- Development of advanced walkways using RCC and GI mesh.
- A building brick bat coba structure to address the persistent rodent issue.
- Freshly strengthened stone pitching supported by a beam-grid structure.
Additionally, the lake basin has been deepened and refilled with new soil. A new compound wall surrounds the area, and three new entry gates, three decorative fountains, and three gazebos have been added for public use.
Controversy and Future Safeguards
In the days leading up to the inauguration, the process of filling the lake with water sparked public criticism. Videos circulating online showed muddy water being released into the basin. AMC officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, addressed these concerns.
They clarified that while several illegal sewer connections to the stormwater network had been identified and disconnected, some residual sewage was still entering through a few points. The muddy appearance was attributed to the flushing out of accumulated sludge from the stormwater lines.
Looking ahead, officials stated that the lake will undergo bioremediation once completely filled. To ensure long-term water quality, a dedicated Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is planned for the Vastrapur Lake premises. This plant is intended to prevent future contamination and maintain the ecological health of the rejuvenated urban lake.
