Gandhi Mandap

The Martyr's Memorial Mandap or Gandhi Mandap is a museum that was constructed just after Mahatma Gandhi's first visit in 1921. It was built to hold the heritage and historical importance of Assam. The other objective was to convert the region into a tourism spot with scenic viewpoints. In May 2017 the Additional Chief Secretary vowed for the Rehabilitation and beautification of the Gandhi Mandap Memorial Complex. This task was conceived by GSCL/Tata Consulting Engineers. They offered this Concept Plan and provided a Feasibility Report Plan and a Detail Challenge document.

Specifications

The Museum was constructed in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. It is located in Sarania Hills, Guwahati and was inaugurated by Mrs. Indira Gandhi and former Chief Minister of Assam Bishnuram Medhi in 1970. It is popular for its 9600 sq ft National Flag that stands on a 319.5 ft flag pole. The flag is the third tallest in the country after Punjab's Attari border (360 ft) and Pimpri Chinchwas Bhakti Shakti Chowk (351 ft) in Pune. The gigantic flag tore many times. However, it was patched back up.

Rebuilding

On the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Assam Government celebrated the unfurling of India's tallest National Flag as viewed from the average city elevation. The 300-meter tip of the flag pole from the base of the hill makes it the tallest from the mean sea level. As advised by the Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the Industries and Commerce Department carried the project forward. After winning a bid, the Guwahati Smart City Limited, through a private firm, executed the project. Rs 2.92 crore was the total cost of the project inclusive of the maintenance for a year from the installation. According to the Chief Minister, a similar 'signature or postcard' on every hill of the city was being contemplated to preserve the sanctity of the hills and discourage encroachment. Cleanliness was believed to be a priority as it was “central to Gandhiji's ideal”. 26 lakh latrines since 2016 were constructed in a bid to declare the State open defecation-free.