Rape convict Asaram Bapu's ashram land among sites to be acquired for hosting 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad: Report

Land housing three ashrams, including one owned by rape convict Asaram Bapu in Motera, is set to be acquired for the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave, Olympic Village, and other sports facilities near the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the 2036 Games, The Times of India reported.

The ashrams—Sant Shree Asaram Ashram, Bhartiya Seva Samaj, and Sadashiv Pragya Mandal—are expected to be relocated. A three-member committee, led by the Ahmedabad municipal commissioner, has begun the administrative process in accordance with the master plan, the report added.

ALSO READ | 'We are pushing for hosting rights of 2036 Olympics, it will take Indian sports to new heights: PM Modi

Unnamed sources said the collector's office will complete the proceedings as per law. Requests by the Sadashiv Pragya Mandal to retain their structures in their current locations might be accepted if they are willing to transfer other land parcels.

The master plan for the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave and Olympic Village is being prepared by Populous, an international consultant with assistance from Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA). The preliminary report has suggested 650 acres of land, among which 600 acres fall in Bhat, Motera, Koteshwar, and Sughad and 50 acres are on the Sabarmati Riverfront.

ALSO READ | India making strong push to host 2036 Olympics: Modi

The master plan also includes acquisition of residential areas like Shivnagar and Vanzara Vaas near the stadium. Ahmedabad Collector's office has been tasked with land acquisition, which was approved by a committee led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).

Land belonging to the Karai Police Academy is also under consideration for acquisition on which the government has planned to setup sports facilities.

ALSO READ | Can multi-city bid boost India’s Olympic credentials?

The Sardar Patel Sports Enclave will be established on 280 acres around the Narendra Modi Stadium and 50 acres along the riverfront, while the Olympic Village will be set up on 240 acres in Bhat and Sughad.

Sources from AUDA said that landmarking around the earmarked areas has been complete in line with the master plan and the land is ready to be acquired.