The town planning committee of the civic body has approved modifications to the Makarba town planning (TP) scheme 204, which pertains to plots designated as R3 (Residential-3) zone in the western part of Ahmedabad. According to sources, a notable change has been made to permit development permission for plots measuring 300 square metres in the R3 zone. Previously, the minimum area required for development in this zone was established at 1,000 square metres following the implementation of the Comprehensive General Development Control Regulations (CGDCR) in 2017, although construction had been permitted on plots of 500 square metres. With this recent approval, development permission will now also be granted for plots as small as 300 square metres.

In a town planning committee meeting held earlier this year, all suggested changes put forward by the town planning officer (TPO) for the Makarba TP scheme 204 were accepted. A 40% deduction was determined for original plots, including prime location farmhouses owned by over 50 VVIP landowners. Modifications aimed at preserving land for residential and commercial purposes were also approved, leading to the reservation of 11.7% of plots, totalling an area of 13.10 lakh square metres. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to receive 204 plots for residential and commercial sales, marking the first time the AMC has reserved such a large expanse of land for sale in a single TP scheme.

Sources from the corporation have indicated that the draft for the TP scheme was prepared for 1,12,13,582 square metres of land across Makarba, Sarkhej, Okaf, Vejalpur, and Ambli villages. This encompasses land designated for residential-1, residential-3, commercial, affordable residential housing, and agricultural zones. Although a standard 40% deduction was established for the TP scheme 204, the average deduction standard was later determined to be 35.09%. In instances where original plots received a lesser deduction, a full 40% deduction will be applied during future redevelopment.

Development permission will now be granted for plots measuring 300 square metres in the R3 zone. Within the Makarba TP scheme 204, final plots equivalent to the original plot size are allocated for land up to 300 square metres. For original plots ranging from 300 to 500 square metres, a minimum final plot of up to 300 square metres is exempt from any deduction. However, any area exceeding 300 square metres but less than 500 square metres will be subject to a deduction. For plots larger than 500 square metres, a 40% deduction will be enforced. In cases where betterment charges have been paid as part of approved layout plans, a deduction of 20%, 30%, or less may apply. A 40% deduction condition will be mandated for future redevelopment.

The controversy surrounding the Makarba TP scheme 204 dates back approximately 15 years when the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (Auda) drafted the scheme, covering 1,121.19 hectares of land in Makarba, Sarkhej, Okaf, Ambli, and Vejalpur. This scheme was subsequently approved by the state government, which included a policy of settlement agreements allowing for a full-sized final plot opposite an original plot and a 40% reduction on another original plot. This led to allegations of corruption, resulting in the suspension of the then state government town planning officers (TPOs). After 2017, the state government halted the approval of construction plans within TP scheme 204 and formed a committee of three TPOs to amend the draft of the TP scheme.

The recent approvals for the Makarba TP scheme 204 signify a progressive step towards enhancing urban development in Ahmedabad, particularly by enabling smaller plot sizes for development. However, the lingering allegations of corruption highlight the need for transparency and accountability in urban planning. As the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation moves forward with these changes, it is crucial to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are safeguarded to foster equitable growth in the region.