Case Studies 131j24

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Shamlaji River bank and Ghat Development Shamlaji, 2011 - Ongoing Tourism Corporation of Gujarat limited (TCGL) in collaboration with irrigation dept. has proposed Shamlaji Ghat & Riverbank development to develop Shamlaji (Meshvo River) into a religious and recreational town in the vicinity. A length of 800 m of riverfront along with 200 m of ghat and river bank development is proposed with an exclusive pedestrian access connecting the temple to the river.

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Shamlaji River bank and Ghat Development proposes the river access from the temple in a manner that will integrate it with the proposal of the temple complex as well as with the overall master plan of Shamlaji Town. The project also aims to define and protect the northern river bank through multiple design interventions such as ghats, river promenade, embankments etc.

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The project will also include the redevelopment of the old Nagdhara kund with separate male and female areas. This will be equipped with changing facilities. Two proposed check dam near the existing causeway will ensure that there is water with sufficient depth present at most times of the year in the project area. This can be utilized for promoting boating activities for

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There will be a river promenade along the entire length of the river bank between the check dam and Meshwo dam connecting all the proposed facilities. This is done keeping in mind all the religious and leisure activities that are linked to the temple and their significance at special occasions such as Kartak Punam. On normal days this will provide a peaceful and serene environment close to the water for the tourists and pilgrims to sit and relax.   The river access and main ghats will also have provisions for tourist facilities, food stalls and public toilets. The design of the entire project will take into consideration local architectural styles and language in order to preserve the character of the place. Additionally, the design for the project aims to be universally accessible as far as possible. BackTourism Corporation of Gujarat limited (TCGL) in collaboration with irrigation dept. has proposed Shamlaji Ghat & Riverbank development to develop Shamlaji (Meshvo River) into a religious and recreational town in the vicinity. A length of 800 m of riverfront along with 200 m of ghat and river bank development is proposed with an exclusive pedestrian access connecting the temple to the river.

• Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project • Ahmedabad, 1997 - Ongoing • The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project is an environmental improvement, social uplift and urban rejuvenation project that will renew Ahmedabad.  The project is being developed by the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd. (SRFDCL), a company wholly owned by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.  The project will reclaim approximately 200 hectares of land from the riverbed.  To reclaim the land, protect low lying developments from floods, and to prevent erosion of the river banks, retaining walls have been built on both sides of the river. Since Sabarmati is a seasonal river, water is channeled into the river from Narmada canal, which intersects the river upstream from Ahmedabad and is retained in the river using the Vasna Barrage which is located downstream. To prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the river, two sewage interceptor lines with new pumping stations have been constructed along both the reclaimed banks. These lines carry untreated sewage to the augmented sewage treatment plants south of Vasna Barrage. Slum dwellers living on the riverbed, and affected by the project, will be relocated and provided with ‘pucca’ housing with secured tenure. The reclaimed land will make Ahmedabad’s riverfront, a public asset.  For better access to the riverfront and facilities built along it, a number of streets leading up to the river will be strengthened.  Many more will be added so that people can easily walk up to the river.  The project will provide Ahmedabad with 11.5 km long pedestrian promenades at the water’s edge along both the banks of the river. In addition to the promenade, many new parks and gardens will be built on the reclaimed land.  Many new public facilities will be built on the reclaimed land: cultural centers, museums, sports facilities, trade fair grounds and open air markets.  A small portion of the reclaimed land will be sold for commercial development. The sale of the reclaimed land will finance the project.  The project has won Prime Minister’s National Award for Excellence in Urban Planning and Design in the year of 2003.