10 May 2023

The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) has decided to auction 18 plots in different regions of the city for residential and commercial use at a base price of Rs 1,238.35 crore, with the most expensive plot in Vejalpur's TP Scheme 6 priced at Rs 2.84 lakh per sq. m. AUDA's land pricing committee met twice, once on March 9 and again on April 13, to establish the values and base prices for these plots, ignoring the impending increase in jantri rates on April 15. Despite the increase in jantri rates, AUDA officials stated that the new rates would not impact the plot prices as the valuation took into account sale deeds and other factors.Read more

PNT Reporter

05 May 2023

The civic body in Ahmedabad has cleared construction plans for thousands of residential and commercial buildings, but urban planners say tall buildings with multi-level basement parking are hindering tree growth. Despite leaving margin spaces around the buildings for trees, the small margin of 3m in the basement is not enough for trees to grow roots. Green roofs and walls, and permeable pavements are possible solutions to increase space for plants to grow while also improving air quality and reducing the urban heat island effect.Read more

PNT Reporter

05 May 2023

The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) has repurposed INR 20 crore from unclaimed builders' deposits to plant 100,000 trees within its jurisdiction during 2022. Accumulated over 15 years, the fund was originally collected as a guarantee from builders who promised to plant trees in their projects, as per the CGDCR 2017 regulations. AUDA's innovative move has not only amplified the city's green cover but also set a benchmark for other urban development bodies in effectively utilizing unclaimed resources for environmental conservation.Read more

PNT Reporter

27 Apr 2023

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has adopted a "zero tolerance policy" against property tax defaulters and has started putting liens on properties whose owners have not paid their taxes. The move is expected to compel defaulters to pay their dues along with the 18% interest rate mentioned in the lien, and to reduce the number of tax defaulters. The AMC is currently drawing up a list of tax defaulters and will prepare a standard operating procedure for imposing liens.Read more

PNT Reporter

24 Apr 2023

The revenue department of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has introduced a scheme to encourage people to pay their property tax in advance. This scheme offers a 12% tax interest rebate for those who pay their property tax between April 18 and May 17, and an additional 1% rebate if the payment is made online. Those who have paid their taxes in advance in the last three years will benefit from an additional 2% rebate. Additionally, those who have paid their advance taxes through online methods for three years will receive a 1% additional rebate.Read more

PNT Reporter

19 Apr 2023

Police evicted 17 families from Rameshwar Apartment in Sola, Ahmedabad, amid a disagreement over the redevelopment of the High-Income Group (HIG) society. The large-scale project includes residential and commercial properties, but some residents claim they were initially told it would be exclusively residential. The eviction highlights the challenges of urban development projects, the importance of transparent communication, and the potential impact of evictions on the affected families.Read more

PNT Reporter

14 Apr 2023

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has continued with the existing slum redevelopment policy, despite heavy criticism and several appeals for change. In 2016, the Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) published a report stating the policy was flawed and skewed towards private bidders. The CAG found that land premiums were fixed without consideration of the formula agreed upon by the government, and builders paid rates much higher than existing jantri rates. However, the policy continues to remain unchanged, thereby causing crores of financial loss.Read more

PNT Reporter

31 Mar 2023

The combination of an 18% GST and an increase in the Jantri rates has deterred potential buyers from participating in the recent plot auctions organized by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The auctions featured seven plots in prime locations within the city, with a base price of Rs 499.72 crore and a 99-year lease. The plots were situated in Bodakdev, Thaltej, Vastral, and Nikol. However, none of the developers showed any interest in purchasing these plots.Read more