The urban expansion of Ahmedabad faces significant hurdles as 47 Town Planning (TP) schemes remain pending government approval during 2023 and 2024. The delay in approvals has raised concerns among landowners and developers, with the state government attributing the backlog to the need for comprehensive scrutiny, legal compliance, and landowner interest protection.
The issue was brought to light in the Gujarat State Assembly when a city Congress MLA questioned the delay. In response, the state government clarified that there is no fixed timeline for approving or rejecting these plans, citing the complexity of the evaluation process and the need to address various landowner concerns.
According to government officials, multiple representations and objections from landowners must be reviewed to ensure fairness and compliance with legal provisions. The process begins with preparing a draft plan, during which authorities seek objections and suggestions from stakeholders. Once compiled, the draft is submitted for government review under Section 48 of the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act, 1976. The state government then examines the plan, considers public feedback, and decides whether to approve, reject, or return the proposal for further modifications. Given the rigorous scrutiny, the government has stated that setting a definite timeframe for approvals is not feasible.
Further, after an initial evaluation, the Town Planning Officer forwards the final scheme for approval under Section 64 of the Act. Currently, the government assesses whether the scheme contains any irregularities, illegalities, or conflicts with existing regulations. Since each TP scheme affects numerous stakeholders, including landowners and developers, authorities must carefully deliberate on objections before making a final decision.
Urban planners and real estate experts argue that prolonged delays in TP approvals can impact the city's development trajectory, leading to stalled infrastructure projects and increased uncertainty for investors. On the other hand, government officials maintain that procedural safeguards are essential to prevent legal disputes and protect landowner rights.
