Ahmedabad Development Body's New Draft Development Plan for 2041 Likely in June

Gandhinagar, March 31: The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) is set to release its new draft development plan in June, marking a significant shift from the traditional 10-year planning cycle to a 20-year vision extending to 2041 and 2047.

Key Changes in the New Draft Plan

Major changes are likely to be made in the new draft development plan, including the addition of newer areas within AUDA limits. Instead of a 10-year development plan, the new DP will focus on providing a major uplift to city infrastructure as Ahmedabad prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and has submitted a bid to host the Olympic Games in 2036.

Industry Relocation to Reduce Air Pollution

The government aims to drastically reduce air pollution in Ahmedabad before the Commonwealth Games. There is a strong likelihood that existing industrial areas within the city will be incentivised to shift outside city limits. Such industries are likely to receive lucrative incentives for relocation.

New Areas to Be Included

Outgrowth areas in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Mehsana districts are expected to be added within AUDA limits. The state government has also directed that the North Gujarat Special Economic Region (SER) planning should be incorporated within the new DP of Ahmedabad.

Changes to Agricultural and Green Zones

In the proposed DP, the government may deregulate the existing agricultural and green zones to allow commercial, residential, and non-industrial development. New green zones are expected to be added in areas proposed to be included within AUDA limits.

Background

The draft for a new development plan must be prepared before the 10-year term of the existing plan concludes. However, AUDA is yet to finalise the draft for the new plan, although the 10-year plan and its further extension ended a year ago.

AUDA has opted to break away from the regular practice of preparing 10-year term plans and is drafting a 20-year DP stretching to 2041, a shift driven largely by the prospect of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar hosting the 2036 Olympics.