The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is planning to formulate a new policy for the Dhobi Ghat (washing area on the river banks) and Gujari bazaar located near the Ambedkar Bridge corner and Victoria Garden on the Sabarmati Riverfront.
AMC is to appoint agencies to organise the Gujari bazaar vendors, and maintain vehicular mobility to the area by curbing unauthorised operations.
Even though the Gujari bazaar is organised on AMC land, some elements collecting allowance money from the vendors have come to the attention of the administration.
The space for vendors to sit has been demarcated at the Gujari Bazaar site near Victoria Garden. However, on Sundays, along with the designated land, the vendors flock to the parking area and even up to Ellisbridge as well. This causes traffic congestion for vehicles passing over the bridge.
Ahmedabad Dhobi Ghat development project
Dhobi Ghats in the city once stretched along the river in the Dudheshwar and VS Hospital areas of the city.
Twelve years ago, AMC installed washing machines at the Dhobi Ghats at a cost of approximately ₹6.34 cr near the Ambedkar Bridge corner on the river’s east bank.
This installation aimed to facilitate the smooth progress of the Sabarmati Riverfront project and to prevent pollution of the river water. Arrangements were made at this site for about 168 washermen.
However, at present, the place is in a state of disrepair. Major complaints of pollution arise at the Dhobi Ghats.
Tenders are to be invited to regulate efficient and environment friendly washing at the Ghats.
According to reliable sources associated closely with the developments, a proposal will be submitted to undertake the work for the new policy after the Lok Sabha elections.
Key Points of the New Policy:
Stopping allowance money practices from the vendors
Inviting tenders from various agencies for Dhobi Ghat and Gujari bazaar.
The selected agency will provide manpower to AMC.
The agency will be authorised to collect a fixed maintenance fee from the people operating in the Dhobi Ghat and Gujari bazaar.
An identity card will be provided to the permitted vendors, which they will be required to carry at all times. People without an identity card will not be allowed to operate at the Gujari bazaar.
From the income generated by the AMC, basic amenities and facilities will be provided at the Dhobi Ghat and Gujari Bazaar.