Gandhians,memorial committee concerned over constructions in Dandi

Sources said the committee had a “heated discussion” over the issue,prompted in part by a recent letter sent to the committee chairman by the gram panchayat of Dandi village,which demanded the “Tourism project should be at a proper physical distance from the Gandhi Memorial”.

The committee members are learnt to have been largely supportive of a minimal appearance for the area around Saifee Villa and the prayer ground nearby.

Some reportedly preferred the area between the Gandhi campus and the sea be free of any modifications except for a few windmills and a wooded area. However,a number of buildings are already on the verge of completion,mainly those intended for “utilities”,such as internet cafes,tourist rest-houses and eateries. Foundation of an exhibition hall,with its 21 pillars or columns already standing,is almost complete.

This particular structure,in fact,stands less than 100 meters from the compounds of the Saifee Villa.