New civil works started

The contractors hired by the AVFO and its Auroville Town Development Council began two new major road works immediately before the monsoon, leading again to difficult and potentially dangerous conditions for road users, in particular cyclists. In the Residential Zone, work began on the well-used and fully-functional Vikas Radial with the removal of half of the paving stones across the width of part of the road. Access to Humanscapes, Vibrance and Invocation as well as communities further along this road is affected by these actions. Work in both areas was then suddenly stopped without a known reason. It is unclear where the residents of the communities that are affected by the Vikas radial roadworks are expected to park, as their main entrances and access to secure parking is now blocked.

Other recent development work includes the clearing work for the AVFO staff quarters, a project first mentioned in the 59th GB meeting minutes. Three new buildings are planned. These quarters will be located at different points within Auroville: one near Realization community, another between Sailam and Vikas communities, and the third next to Luminosity community. In the interim, non-Aurovilian AVFO staff have been given Auroville housing in several communities without consultation with the other residents, even though there are many Aurovilians and newcomers still awaiting housing allocation.