Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Neglected Gandhi Ashram Faces Flood Threat Amid Political Promises
The Pinakini Satyagraha Ashram is an old place connected to India’s freedom struggle.
Mahatma Gandhi opened it in 1921.
Many important freedom fighters visited it.
The ashram is now in poor condition because promised repairs were not completed.
Water from the nearby Pennar River has already washed away six acres of land.
A historic building called Rusthumji Bhavan could also be damaged.
Critics say politicians visit mainly for photographs on special anniversaries.
The District Collector now controls the site, and villagers want repairs to begin quickly.
They fear floods could destroy this important heritage place.
The 105-year-old Pinakini Satyagraha Ashram in Pallepadu is facing severe neglect and possible flood damage.
Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the ashram on February 7, 1921, after it was built on the Sabarmati model.
Six acres of the ashram’s land have reportedly been submerged by Pennar River erosion.
Past proposals for national maintenance and a protective river retention wall were never implemented.
Control of the ashram shifted to the District Collector on May 15, 2026, prompting renewed calls for urgent restoration.
- Who
- The Pinakini Satyagraha Ashram, Pallepadu villagers, political leaders, district authorities, and historical figures including Mahatma Gandhi are involved.
- What
- A historic Gandhi-era ashram is facing neglect, river erosion, and the threat of flood damage despite earlier development proposals.
- When
- The ashram was inaugurated on February 7, 1921, and control shifted to the District Collector on May 15, 2026, its 105th year.
- Where
- The ashram is in Pallepadu village, 21 kilometres from Nellore, on the banks of the Pennar River.
- Why
- Critics attribute the neglect to weak political will and administrative follow-through, while river erosion has increased the danger to the site.
- Heritage site
- Pinakini Satyagraha Ashram, popularly known as the Gandhi Ashram
- Location
- Pallepadu village, 21 kilometres from Nellore, beside the Pennar River
- Inauguration
- February 7, 1921, by Mahatma Gandhi
- Gandhi’s visits
- Mahatma Gandhi visited the ashram in 1921, 1929, and 1933
- Land lost
- Six acres have reportedly been submerged by river erosion
- Historic structure at risk
- The 1921 Rusthumji Bhavan
- Current control
- The District Collector assumed control on May 15, 2026, with the District Revenue Officer as special officer