Gujarat High Court nods Gandhi Ashram Memorial and Precinct project

On Wednesday, the Gujarat High Court approved the ambitious Gandhi Ashram Memorial and Precinct Project by discarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) registered by the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Tushar Gandhi, challenging the project. The court scrapped the PIL by registering the statement of the state government that it will not touch the original Gandhi Ashram, the museum and the Magan Niwas (home of Maganlal, Gandhi’s nephew and ardent follower) situated in the one-acre area while forming the neighbouring 55-acre land. Advocate General Kamal Trivedi presented to the court that an impression has been formed in the media that an amusement park is being built in the name of the project. But, the state government has no such plan and the project will preserve the values and ethos of Gandhiji. Everything will be done following Gandhian philosophy and the Gandhi Ashram, museum and Magan Niwas will remain untouched. Only the neighbouring 55-acre area will be improved. There are 46 old homes in deteriorated condition, which will be rebuilt. They plan to develop pavements with a lot of greenery. The state government had declared a resolution on March 5, 2021, to develop a Gandhi Ashram Memorial and Precinct Project at the site of Sabarmati Ashram for Rs 1,200 crore. The project envisioned the development of the ashram in a 55-acre space. Gandhi’s lawyer Bhushan Oza had contended the project would alter the character of the historical monument. The plea additionally raised concern at the idea of drawing tourists not interested in the history of India’s freedom struggle. But, the state government allayed all the questions raised, and the court did not consider the petition. But, the court clarified that the people living inside the Ashram could approach the Civil court against their evacuation. Image Source