Gujarat govt plans 406-acre Smriti Van memorial on Bhujio hill

Gujarat govt plans 406-acre Smriti Van memorial on Bhujio hill
Gandhinagar, 12 July, 2011





A unique memorial, christened ‘Smritivan’, to commemorate the death of 13,805 people during the killer earthquake in Gujarat with its epicenter in Kutch on January 26, 2001 will be created atop 406 acres of the historic Bhujia Dungar near Bhuj, reflecting the people’s onerous response to a natural catastrophe.

Looking to emergence of Kutch as a centre for unprecedented growth post-Earthquake, the memorial will have a museum, convention centre, sunset point and eco park with 84 types of trees.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Modi wished that people from different states in the country and abroad encircled the Bhujia every January 26, nurture the trees with individual and institutions chip in their contrbution. Participation of even the Indian Army is envisaged. It was also proposed to start adventure sports in the adjoining lake, befitting the solemn and somber nature of the memorial.

Architects P.V. Doshi and Raju Katpaliya made a presentation on the project before Chief Minister Narendra Modi, besides Revenue Minister Anandiben Patel, Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) Chairman R. Bannerjee, Tourism Principal Secretary Vipul Mitra, Information Commissioner V. Thirppugazh and Chief Minister’s Secretary A.K. Sharma and Collector of Kutch M. Thennarasan.