Vastrapur Lake is expected to reopen to the public in the first week of December, with nearly 80% of renovation work already completed. The contractor has been asked to finish the remaining work by the end of the month.
The project has faced repeated delays and multiple design changes, causing costs to escalate significantly. The lake was shut for repairs in February 2024 with a six-month target, but issues had begun earlier—heavy rains in June 2022 had damaged the embankment and caused several sinkholes.
What began as a minor repair plan with a budget of Rs 1 crore eventually turned into a full redevelopment project due to severe walkway damage and cavities created by rodents. The cost rose from the initial Rs 5 crore to Rs 8 crore by August 2024.
AMC Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani said the lake will be refilled with Narmada water and kept at consistent levels throughout the year. Several sewerage lines previously discharging waste into the lake have been disconnected, and a new 2 MLD treatment plant is planned.
With civic polls approaching in February, officials have been asked to fast-track major projects. The AMC has tentatively set December 5 as the inauguration date for the revamped lake.