In a welcoming move, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has decided to address the traffic congestion caused by food vendors around Vastrapur Lake by relocating them to a newly planned food court within the lake premises. The original plan to build an amphitheatre has been scrapped to make way for this food court, a decision prompted by the frequent traffic jams created by vendors operating outside the lake.

Amphitheatre to be Demolished for Food Court

The standing committee’s decision comes as a response to growing criticism from the Opposition regarding the project’s escalating costs and delays, as well as pressure from the high court over traffic issues throughout the city. By converting the underutilized amphitheatre space into a food court, the AMC aims to solve two problems at once—easing traffic congestion and justifying the increased project costs.

The renovation of Vastrapur Lake, which began recently, has seen its budget swell from Rs 5 crore to Rs 8.2 crore due to delays. The work, which includes strengthening walls, installing lighting, and adding new amenities, is now expected to take another year to complete.

From Roadside to Vastrapur Lakeside

The numerous food stalls around Vastrapur Lake have long been a source of traffic congestion. Although these vendors were given space on a plot opposite the lake, many still spill onto the roads, exacerbating the traffic situation. Now, with the new plan, these stalls will be relocated to the lake area itself.

Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani explained that the amphitheatre, which sees very little use with only about 20 bookings a year, can be better utilized by converting it into a food court. The redesign will not only address traffic concerns but also make the space more functional for the community.

Renovation Details

The renovation project, which began after 20 years since the lake’s establishment in 2003, is being approached with a long-term vision, aiming for the new infrastructure to last another 20 years. The amphitheatre, covering an area of 5,580 square meters, will be replaced by 55 food stalls. Additionally, a 700 square meter dining area and toilet blocks will be constructed to accommodate visitors.

A History of Rebuilding

This is not the first time an amphitheatre has been repurposed in the city. The AMC previously constructed a tennis court in place of an amphitheatre near Memnagar Lake. Similarly, a theatre set up near another lake was demolished to make way for a tennis court. In another case, the lake in Bapunagar was filled in to create the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium.

The transformation of Vastrapur Lake is part of a broader trend in the city’s evolving urban landscape, where public spaces are continuously reimagined to meet changing needs and challenges.

admin
Author: admin