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An Open Letter to the Matrimandir Executives and Matrimandir Lake Team

Dear Matrimandir Executives and Lake Team,

3rd December 2024

We were surprised and deeply concerned to learn about the recent breakage of the

Matrimandir lake wall. While it is a relief that no injuries occurred, the failure of the partition

‘lego’ wall and imported HDPE sheet raises serious questions about engineering accountability

and the use of donor contributions.

Failures in experimental projects may be opportunities for learning.

However, our primary concerns extend beyond technical or aesthetic shortcomings.

Over the past few years, we have repeatedly appealed for:

- Obtaining proper building permission from the community.

- Conducting and sharing environmental impact assessments for the lake excavation and the

mountain.

- Pausing tree-cutting and excavation, supported by our April 2024 petition.

- Consider integrating the alternate lake proposal that addresses ecological and aesthetic

values.

- Consider integrating community feedback for the lake project in October 2023.

- Engaging in constructive dialogue with community volunteers.

and more.

Unfortunately, these concerns have been largely ignored or rejected outright. The work

continued in a hasty manner by setting an unrealistic time frame of completion.

This neglect highlights a significant failure: the disregard for participatory and collaborative

processes, which are fundamental for the work on Auroville's core values.

We consider this to be the biggest failure in this project and yet to be acknowledged by the

present MM executives and the lake team.

For the past three years, Matrimandir lake, gardens and related developments have proceeded

amidst administrative discord, undermining the values Auroville has upheld for over 50 years.

Regardless of different opinions and approaches, Aurovilians have achieved completing

Matrimandir in the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect.

We must see this event as a call to manifest our unity and transparency. It is time to reassess

the project entirely and for all involved to step back from the current course.

Sincerely,

Concerned Residents of the Residents’ Assembly