Mysuru: Department of tourism and Karnataka Khadi and Village Industries Board have recreated the Sabarmati Ashram at the historic Badanavalu Khadi Village and Industries Centre in Nanjangud taluk of Mysuru district.Built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, who visited the Badanavalu centre twice during the freedom struggle, the ashram is nearing completion. Former chief minister Siddaramaiah sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the project, and the department plans to inaugurate it on Oct 2.Spread over 5.2 acres, the Badanavalu centre continues traditional spinning, weaving and reeling activities, employing around 50 workers. To develop the site while preserving its living craft tradition, the state govt in 2019 entrusted Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (KRIDL) with constructing the Sabarmati Ashram replica within the premises.Work on the replica, compound wall and allied infrastructure was stalled for nearly two years due to railway department objections over boundary issues. Following repeated follow-ups, the railways issued a no-objection certificate, allowing construction to resume.Officials said 95% of the project has been completed, with electrification and a few minor works pending. The replica has been built on the lines of similar structures at the University of Mysuru’s Manasagangothri campus and near the new DC office at Siddarthanagar, set up by the district administration and yet to be inaugurated.Once KRIDL hands over the structure, tourism department and khadi board plan to hold workshops and set up a museum at the site. Steps have also been initiated to improve greenery around the ashram, with nearly 1,000 saplings being planted.District khadi and village industries officer Sharath told TOI that govt has released Rs 90 lakh so far and the remaining Rs 10 lakh is awaited. After the balance amount is released, pending electrification and compound wall plastering will be completed.He said the Rs 40-crore proposal announced in the 2024-25 state budget to develop Badanavalu as a tourist centre has not materialised and remains pending with the finance department.Assistant director of tourism Prabhuswamy said Rs 50 lakh has been provided to improve tourist facilities at the centre.
