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Sardar Baug, a heritage garden in Ahmedabad, has been reopened to the public after a complete restoration carried out by UNM Foundation under its PRATITI initiative. Once known for its orchards and gatherings of freedom fighters, the garden had fallen into decline over the decades. The restoration has revived both its cultural and ecological identity with features such as a walking track, children's play area, amphitheatre, rose garden, and water bodies. It is now the eleventh garden developed under PRATITI, which maintains large public green spaces across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, and Daman.
UNM Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Torrent Group, formally opened the restored Sardar Baug in Ahmedabad in a ceremony attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, and other dignitaries. The project is part of the Foundation's PRATITI initiative, which focuses on creating and maintaining public gardens across cities. Advertisement
Situated in the Jamalpur Ward of Ahmedabad's Central Zone, opposite the old Rupali Cinema at Lal Darwaja, the redeveloped park now covers 26,010 sq m. Sardar Baug holds historic significance as it once hosted important Sabhas involving prominent freedom fighters before independence. Originally known for fruit orchards, flowering plants, and water features, the garden had gradually lost its charm over the years. The restoration has reinstated its heritage character while adding new facilities for public use.
The redeveloped garden includes a large entrance gate with a wheelchair-friendly ramp, a 1.5 km Chharu pathway for walking and jogging, an open-air gym fitted with weather-resistant equipment, and a dedicated play area for children. It also features an oval-shaped amphitheatre with seating for 150 people for cultural activities, along with eight water bodies, resting spaces, and a rose garden.
In terms of conservation, 195 mature trees within the garden have been preserved. To enhance biodiversity, over 630 new trees representing 65 native species have been planted. More than 75,000 shrubs, bamboo, and grasses covering 190 species have also been added, aimed at attracting pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
With Sardar Baug, the PRATITI initiative now manages 11 public gardens across Ahmedabad, covering a total of 131,414 sq m. Five more gardens covering an additional 61,000 sq m are currently being developed in the city. Beyond Ahmedabad, PRATITI oversees nearly 50 hectares of green spaces across 13 gardens and two lakes located in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, and Daman. Together, these spaces attract an annual footfall of around 5.8 million visitors.
UNM Foundation, named after Torrent Group founder UN Mehta, is a not-for-profit organisation funded entirely by the Mehta family and Torrent Group companies. Its philanthropic work extends beyond environmental projects to art and culture, healthcare, education, skill development, and urban renewal.
Source PTI
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