Gandhinagar: As it readies to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and probably also the 2036 Olympics, Ahmedabad is redrawing its development plan, which puts industries out of its limits. The new plan proposes converting all industrial zones within AMC and Auda limits into non-industrial zones and restricting the setting up of new industries inside the city. Existing units may also not be allowed to expand or restructure their facilities, top govt sources said.The restrictions — aimed at substantially reducing pollution — effectively mean that all industries and industrial estates located within the city limits will eventually have to relocate outside urban limits by opting for THRIVE scheme introduced by state govt this June as part of the new industrial policy.A source close to the development said, “Existing industrial units will be allowed to continue operations for two to three years. While those details are still being finalised, all industries inside the city limits will have to avail of govt’s THRIVE scheme and relocate outside, latest by 2030.”State urban development department, which is anchoring the proposal, is pushing the plan aggressively as part of efforts to reduce pollution and improve the urban environment before the likely hosting of the 2036 Olympics. “Both AMC and Auda will have to implement a time-bound plan to ensure all polluting industries are relocated to zones earmarked outside city limits,” said an official.Officials said Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) estates are included in the plan. GIDC, which functions under industries and mines department, is expected to follow the same framework and initiate relocation measures. It has been proposed that industries that relocate under THRIVE can avail of at least double the FSI (floor space index) at their new locations. Govt is also considering waiving land-use conversion charges, well-placed govt sources said.
