On the city

Q. What is the population of Auroville? Is there a limit to the expected population?

A. The present population is just over 1,500 people from 30+ countries. The eventual population is expected to be 50,000. It is unlikely that this number will be exceeded, partly because there is insufficient land for a larger township, but also because Auroville has no aspiration to become larger.

Q. Why is Auroville in India? Why not in Europe or elsewhere?

A. The inspiration for Auroville arose in India, stemming from the writings of Sri Aurobindo and the encouragement of the Mother. This inspiration lead to the Sri Aurobindo Society, based in Pondicherry, persuading the Government of India in 1966 to accept and support the project, which was then put before UNESCO for its endorsement.

Q. When will the Matrimandir be finished?

A. Probably in 3 years time (2003), but this depends on the continuing flow of funds, the availability of materials and skilled labour needed, the solution of a number of outstanding technical problems yet to be solved. The Matrimandir gardens will take longer, probably as much as 10 years to complete.

Q. What is the amphitheatre; what is it used for?

A. The Amphitheatre is used for quiet gatherings where the Aurovilians come together for special occasions.

Q. When will Auroville be completed?

A. No date has been set. At the present rate of growth it's unlikely that the physical township plus the lands needed plus the 50,000 projected population will be in place in less than 50 years. Meanwhile, what is more important to Auroville than dates and numbers is the quality of everything, specially the quality and consciousness of its participants.

Q. Do you have a public transport system?

A. Yes, of a very limited nature. Auroville has a number of buses, vans and jeeps which meet essential community needs, such as transporting children to school, carrying goods around the community, taking people to Pondicherry, etc. What is lacking, however, is a fully developed collective transport system which can carry people around the community throughout the day and evening. This has yet to be planned, funded and developed.

Q. Where does your water come from?

A. Almost entirely from aquifers below ground.
There are essentially three levels from which water is drawn up using electrical, diesel, solar or wind energy as appropriate. The first aquifer is at approx 40 metres, the second at approx 60-100 metres, and the third at approx 150-250 metres.
A small amount of water is also recycled via purification plants, but can only be used for gardens and agricultural purposes.