Ahmedabad News Roundup: Entry Fees, Concert Rumors, and Educational Initiatives

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has introduced a new entry fee for popular recreational spots in the city, such as Gotila Garden and Oxygen Park, located on Sindhu Bhavan Road. As per AMC’s decision, visitors will now be required to pay a ₹10 entry fee, with morning walkers exempt between 6 am and 10 am. In a unique move, AMC will also issue monthly entry passes allowing unlimited access for visitors.

In the entertainment sector, speculation about a possible Coldplay concert in Ahmedabad has caused excitement among fans and led to a spike in hotel bookings. Unverified reports circulating on social media suggest that the band, led by Chris Martin, might perform at the Narendra Modi Stadium on January 25, 2025. While there is no official confirmation, the rumors have stirred anticipation among the band’s Indian fanbase.

Meanwhile, the District Education Office of Ahmedabad announced the installation of an additional 100 ‘Samvedana Boxes’ in city schools. These boxes, part of the ‘Sarthi Project’, provide students a confidential platform to express issues like academic stress, mental health, and social media pressure. The expansion will bring the total to 200 boxes citywide, enhancing support for student wellbeing.

In academic developments, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad will implement a reservation policy for its PhD admissions for the first time. This policy aligns with government guidelines on seat allocation for underrepresented communities and follows advocacy by SC/ST groups. The change aligns IIM Ahmedabad with ten other IIMs already adhering to similar policies, following a 2021 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Gujarat High Court by the Global IIM Alumni Network.

Additionally, in judicial matters, the Supreme Court has upheld the Gujarat High Court’s decision to reject an appeal by private bus owners. They sought to operate vehicles in city areas during the day, challenging a notification from the police commissioner banning heavy vehicle entry between 8 am and 10 pm for traffic and safety reasons. The ruling maintains current restrictions, limiting heavy vehicles to nighttime operations in urban areas.