Gandhinagar: The state govt has reportedly given the green signal to Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (Auda) to denotify about 36 square kilometres of land under the agriculture zone, facilitating its conversion into residential and commercial use in fast-developing areas along the periphery of Ahmedabad city. Sources said that the move is likely to be implemented soon after the completion of the local body elections, which includes Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation polls.Top sources in the govt said that a sizeable portion of areas under the jurisdiction of Ognaj, Shilaj, Ghuma, Bhadaj, Lambha, Laxmipura, Kathwada, Kamod, Vanjar, Fathewadi and Vastral are presently categorised under the agriculture zone of Auda’s development plan (DP).“All these areas are witnessing a major development boom. However, due to agriculture zone restrictions, development becomes restricted, and this could lead to illegal constructions in some cases. In order to promote planned development in these areas, the govt has decided to denotify agriculture zone of around 36 square kilometres in these areas,” sources stated. According to key sources, the state govt has taken an in-principle decision to initiate the process of land acquisition for the proposed third ring road of Ahmedabad city. “As part of its development plan, AUDA has proposed to include all villages lying on either side of the proposed outer ring road within Auda limits. A formal notification in this regard is expected to be issued in the first week of May,” sources said.Sources, however, added that while Auda has proposed that newer villages along the proposed third ring road be included in its new DP, the final decision will be taken “at top political level”. The new development plan of the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority is likely to be announced in June this year.
