Image Source: Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan, prepared by WMF in collaboration with the Getty Foundation and AMC. Image at top: Carlo Fumarola, Wikimedia Commons

Another cultural icon has been earmarked for demolition – the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium (SVP) is set to be razed to the ground by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). This 63-year-old stadium is etched into the history of post-independence Ahmedabad and has become a symbol of the city's modern architecture. It is imperative that necessary steps are taken to preserve and conserve this iconic cultural landmark of Indian cricketing history, modern architectural history, and modern India.

The SVP Stadium is an institution of firsts, both for Indian cricket and world architecture. It was the country’s first ‘turf’ ground, hosted the first one-day cricket match played in India, was one of the first sporting facilities in the newly formed State of Gujarat and the first, and for its time largest reinforced concrete folded plate cantilever roof (20m) in the world. The stadium was designed by internationally renowned professionals – architect Charles Correa and engineer Mahendra Raj, and the design and execution of the stadium pushed the boundaries of concrete construction in the 1960’s, cementing itself as an icon of modern Indian architecture. 

To the cricketing community, the stadium is a space that has moulded and trained budding cricketers from across the state, and several of India’s all-time greats have played test and one-day cricket here!  To the city, it is one of the few outdoor spaces for exercise, where there aren’t many left. To the architecture and design community, the stadium is an outstanding example of architectural and structural collaboration, a monolithic marvel that paved the way for the future of concrete construction not only in India but stood out as a classic example of structural innovation at a global level. 

However, over time the concrete has deteriorated owing to weathering and a lack of maintenance. In 2020, the World Monuments Fund nominated SVP Stadium to the World Monuments Watch List and the Getty Foundation bestowed upon the stadium a ‘Keeping it Modern’ Grant. Owing to growing concerns about the concrete, the WMF partnered with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the Getty Foundation to develop a Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP) for the future of the stadium. 

The Management Plan tables options on how to restore the structure and augment the facilities to bring them up to date. Now the SVP Stadium grounds has been shortlisted as a potential site for the 2036 Ahmedabad Olympic Bid, but it is not necessary to demolish the structure. The AMC needs to consider the proposals in the Management Plan, and the stadium needs all of us to come together and ask – is demolition really the only course of action? 

We urge you to sign this petition in support of our plea - that the AMC reconsider their decision to raze this iconic stadium. Let us all take a step back, evaluate and come up with the best solution, one that saves this elegant landmark!

The Wire: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Plans to Demolish Iconic Sardar Patel Stadium: Report

Architecture Live: Ahmedabad’s iconic Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, Slated for Demolition