Vadodara gates set for facelift

VMC and ASI officials will soon hold a meeting to give a fresh lease of life to four gates located in four different directions of the city — Champaner Darwaja,Gendigate,Panigate,Lehripura Darwaja.

According to Adhya Saxena from the Department of History at M S University,the gates existed since the per-Moghul times and was frequented by traders. However,the existing structure (the gates) were restored under the Gaekwads in the 18th century.

“Available records suggest no specific ruler built the gates but it was a joint effort by the people since the routes which the gates suggest were always there. The structure came up and was taken care of by the different rulers,” Saxena said.

VMC officials said their talks with the ASI had been going on since August 2008 and the ASI gave its nod last week. “There were some issues of availability of manpower which have now taken care of. We will meet VMC officials to plan the restoration job,which may start in the next 10-15 days. We will also discuss the issue of traffic diversion and regulation since the gates are located in the areas which have heavy traffic,” said an ASI official.

A total budget of Rs 45 lakh was made in the financial year 2008-09 by the VMC for the restoration.

“We are ready to give every possible help to the ASI for the restoration work. Once the gates are renovated,we will take necessary steps to prevent any further damage to them,” said VMC’s in-charge city engineer Shailesh Mistry.