The abode of the Mahatma for 10 days in 1922, following the Chauri Chaura incident, the cell was renamed Gandhi Kholi. Waking up to the weathering and ageing that has left the cell dilapidated with a leaky roof, authorities have now decided to renovate the cell before it collapses. The work has to be taken up keeping in mind the historic importance of the Kholi and in the process of the restoration the basic character also has to be retained which narrates the story by itself.
A few articles used by the Mahatma during his stay in this cell have also been kept in this cell. They includes a chair, a bowl and charkha which the Mahatma used for the 10 days that he was there. The cell also has a log of Gandhi’s weight before he was jailed and after he was released.
The renovation work has been undertaken by the Sabarmati jail authorities and Gujarat Vidyapeeth, the university founded by the Mahatma. The heritage wing of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) will be the consultant.
The work will include strengthening the roof slab and side walls of the cell without bringing about any change.