GANDHINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit the Sabarmati Ashram on June 30 to take part in the centenary of the ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi, is likely to announce a Rs 287 crore 'Revitalization Plan for the Gandhi Ashram Area'. Modi, as the chief minister of Gujarat, had demanded funds for the project from the Manmohan Singh government. According to sources familiar with the plan, Modi is likely to announce an allocation of Rs 40 crore for the first phase of the redevelopment of the ashram. The Gujarat government, which restored the historic Dandi Bridge after a high court order, had submitted the revitalization plan for the ashram area in July 2009 to the Union tourism ministry. The plan was not approved by the UPA government. Gujarat had re-submitted the plan to the Government India after Modi took over as the Prime Minister. The Gujarat government had demanded Rs 287 crore. The Centre, even with Modi at the helm, showed little interest and Gujarat took no further steps either. But now, the Centre has agreed to allocate the funds. A key official said: "We have received communication from the Government of India that PM Modi will announce the launch of the revitalization project." The plan was prepared by CEPT University under the direction of B V Doshi, the famed architect. Under this project, Gujarat plans to declare the Sabarmati Ashram area a silent zone. At present, the ashram is surrounded by heavily congested and polluted roads and commercial and residential areas. The plan will tackle problems such as the disuse of the heritage structure and infrastructure deficiencies.

Continue reading here:

Gandhi Ashram Area: PM Narendra Modi, to announce revitalization ... - Times of India