Sculpting sustainability: These stunning statues in Ahmedabad are reborn from waste

Have you come across the captivating array of new statues popping up all around the city? Be amazed because these eye-catching wonders are not your ordinary sculptures! Here's the scoop: these statues in Ahmedabad are the product of pure imagination and resourcefulness, ingeniously crafted from scrap and waste materials. 

Kudos to the artistic genius, Sunil Sridhar, who conjured up this magical transformation. Can you believe it? Nearly 70 tons of waste, mostly iron, and steel, were waved like a creative wand to conjure up ten spectacular statues, now proudly showcased at nine bustling locations, mostly crossroads, throughout the city.

The project to beautify Ahmedabad's urban landscape was undertaken by the city authorities about six months ago, to prepare for the ongoing G20 events and in a broader effort to enhance public spaces and embrace art. To bring this vision to life, the AMC enlisted the artistic expertise of Sunil Sridhar. The artist conceptualized the statues and skillfully executed the challenging task of shaping them from the seemingly unyielding metal and steel waste.

Notably, the discarded water pipelines from the Narmada main canal, electric street poles, chlorine tanks from sewage treatment plants, railway tracks, and electric cable rolls were repurposed to create these captivating works of art.

Among the statues that now grace the city's landscape are a majestic horse mid-leap at Indira Bridge, a stately bull at CG Road, and a revered Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Airport Circle. Additionally, a statue inspired by the joyous festival of Uttarayan and many more.

To ensure the longevity of these artistic marvels, the materials underwent meticulous treatment, including copper slack or copper flux blasting, a byproduct of copper purification.

Authorities confidently assert that these permanent installations will endure for at least three decades. This ambitious artistic endeavor came at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore.

The ten sculptures represent the first phase of this ambitious project, and the city eagerly anticipates the second phase, which is expected to follow in the near future. As Ahmedabad continues to evolve into a city of art, innovation, and sustainability, these inspiring statues will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on both residents and visitors alike.