LAKHPAT RESORT

Ariel View of the Context in Lakhpat

​The history of Lakhpat is one of interlocking cultural and religious exchange, as well as one shaped by the evolving climate and geology it is built upon. Originally sitting on Phuleri - a tributary of the Indus River, Lakhpat was at the meeting point of Kutch and Sindh, and was routinely vulnerable to the invasions from the kingdoms of Sindh. However, language, culture, religion and trade mixed freely across the Rann. Two famous figures of religious pluralism, Guru Nanak and Shah Abdul Latif Bhita’I, visited Lakhpat. During the 17th century it became a powerful port town trading with kingdoms in as far away as Africa and the Gulf.
The focus of the Lakhpat Project was to revive the pride and identity of its people. To achieve this goal, the methodology was participatory, getting all the stakeholders to contribute to shaping the project. It was also envisioned that the improved infrastructure would encourage the property owners to develop their heritage homes for hiring out to tourists,  providing hospitality related employment in the village.
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Some of the steps taken were - The strengthening the Panchayat to be the nodal agency to involve the six caste groups of the city, both resident and the Diaspora; Collating the littoral history through interview and talks with the community; building capacities of the residents to run and manage a tourist site and its programs; sensitising the various government departments to contribute to the project; encouraging the cultural groups to perform for the city; Involvement of the artisans in restoration of the buildings of Lakhpat. 
Debilitated Historic Structures in Lakhpat
Meeting with the local community
While Hunnarshala has been part of the revival committee, its primary responsibility was in developing the heritage restoration projects of the city. The historical documentation process has collected stories, experiences and information from the residents and the historical documents. Architectural documentation of the heritage structures and even parts of the town was an exercise that was informed by the documentation of history.

The Homecoming event was organised in the second week of February, where members from the Lakhpat Diaspora gathered in the town for three days of presentations, cultural programs, discussions and heritage walks. With community members providing much of the programming as well as help with accommodations, it was the opening of a site for future visitors to stay and for the village to maintain and support.
It was decided that the Lakhpat resort would be run by the Pariyatan committee.  The resort was built in the vocabulary of the ancient town using stone, wood and tiles. Permanent guest rooms, Kitchen & Dining facilities, Toilet & bathrooms, amphitheater, embellishments and basic services were built.
​Project Location
Lakhpat
Name of the Agency / Client / Employer ​
Lakhpat Welfare Society, G.M.D.C. - Ahmedabad
Project Duration
2012 - 2014 (2 Phases)
Project Cost
​59,23,500/-
Team
Sandeep Virmani, Mahavir Acharya, Rupesh Hurmade, Dinesh Charan, Mohan Danji Chavda, Kirit Dave