Excavation

The Matrimandir, the Lake and the Garden works: an update

An interview with John Harper, By Carel

Scale visualisation of the Matrimandir and its Gardens, surrounded by the Lake and connected by a bridge originating from the Reception Pavilion

The January 2025 issue of Auroville Today focused on the aftermath of Cyclone Fengal, which breached the Lego block dam separating sections 1 and 2 of the Matrimandir Lake.

Matrimandir Lake

Editorial

In April this year, concerned residents of Auroville circulated a petition requesting a halt of the excavation of the Matrimandir Lake to evaluate an alternative design proposal and start an integrated development process.

An alternative lake design concept

An interview with Suhasini, By Alan

Proposal by Mohan Rao, based on The Mother’s description of the Matrimandir lake, with maximum four meters depth and natural seasonal variations

Recently, as there was widespread concern about what was happening with the Matrimandir lake excavation, a task force was created at a General Meeting to prepare a design brief that would frame the aesthetic, environmental, functional and technical parameters to undertake the preparation of an alternative concept design.

The Matrimandir lake controversy

Feature, By Alan

In our July issue, we reported on recent developments on the site of the Matrimandir lake. These included the excavation of section two of the lake, which will be 250 metres long, more than twice the length of the existing test lake.