Master plan chalked out to restore Gopi Talav’s original glory

Surat: Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has made a master plan to re-establish the historic value of Gopi talav in the central zone in 12 months. With this aim, the civic body will beautify the area from Navsari bazar to Gopi Talav at a cost of Rs 2.53 crore using construction materials similar to what had been used in the 14th century along with modern street furniture. Roads on four sides of the approach to the Gopi talav will undergo the visual improvement exercise.
“The roads approaching the Gopi talav will be redeveloped to enhance comfort and beauty while retaining its heritage look,” said architect Vishal Shah who is designing the project. “It is very difficult to obtain material used in the 14th century, but we are working on creating a fusion of history, heritage and modern amenities on the road. Street furniture will be set up in a manner that will give the area a classical historical look,” Shah added.

However, SMC’s biggest worry is the encroachment on 30 per cent of the area to be redeveloped. PD Munshi, executive engineer of central zone said, “This being in the Old City, roads are narrow and we have encroachments in at least 30 per cent of the area. We have initiated survey so that these encroachments can be removed easily and the displaced people can be allotted space at a different place,” said an official.