Before 6-7 years, when we were coming to Gandhinagar from Ahmadabad via Sabarmati, one could feel the temperature getting down by 2-3 degrees. But, in those days our Gandhinagar was not such beautiful as now. It had narrow roads (in today’s definition), trees and trees everywhere instead of high buildings and footpaths or parking space to make the roads looking gorgeous. Only one fountain established at CH-5 circle, became a cool spot at night for the people. Even at normal rains water was stuck up at many places for 8-10 hours.
And now there are broad six lane roads, foot paths, service roads, multi-storied buildings or many cities like Info-city and Gift-city. Many universities and academies and wall known construction companies have acquired most of the land around the Gandhinagar. Green fields and thick, green tree cover have become an ugly past now.
Enjoy Gandhinagar! You are being beautified now you have Punit van and you are going to have Central Vista, Mahatma Mandir and Panchamrut Mandir. You will become beautiful now!
To gain something one has to lose something. And in the whole development and beautification fever, the green most capital has lost its greenery. As a result of that, Gandhinagar is competing Ahmedabad in heat. The evenings on Gh and Ch roads are polluted now. The city has lost some bird and animal species like sirkeer cuckoo, vultures, hedge hog and fox. Number of House Sparrow, Indian Robin, Magpie Robin, Fan tailed Fly catcher, Golden Oriole, Monitor Lizard, Snakes, shrew have decreased which was common in olden days. Only one place near Gandhinagar is Indroda Park (Haranodhyan) where one can feel the real atmosphere of original, unbeautified Gandhinagar.
Can we, the people of Gandhinagar, decide what we really need? Central vista, Panchamrut Mandir, foot paths, huge university campuses, tall buildings along with burning days and nights with 47,48,49 degrees or unbeautified but lush green, cool Gandhinagar?
CAN WE?