Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Greenlights Controversial Tree Removal and Asset Sale
In a significant development that has sparked environmental concerns, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's (AMC) standing committee has approved two major proposals during its Friday meeting. The decisions involve substantial urban infrastructure changes that will impact both the city's green cover and its commercial landscape.
700 Young Trees to Make Way for New Water Tank
The committee gave its nod to a proposal that will result in the cutting down of approximately 700 trees in the Isanpur area. These trees, which were planted just one and a half years ago, must be removed to facilitate the construction of a new underground water tank. This project aims to address the growing water needs of rapidly developing neighborhoods.
The Isanpur Water Distribution Station, located near the lake behind the Isanpur ward office, currently operates with two underground tanks that have a combined capacity of 4.54 million litres. This facility serves a substantial population of around 30,000 residents across Isanpur village, Govindwadi, and adjacent areas.
However, with rapid urban development transforming the region—including the redevelopment of old housing societies and the construction of new high-rise residential projects—local corporators have been pushing for increased water storage capacity. In response, the standing committee has approved the construction of a new 2.1-million-litre underground tank at an estimated cost of Rs 5.3 crore.
The selected plot for this crucial infrastructure project is currently home to the 700 trees that must now be cleared. This decision has raised questions about balancing developmental needs with environmental preservation, particularly given the young age of the trees.
Prahladnagar Parking Complex to Be Sold Entirely
In a separate but equally significant move, the committee cleared a proposal to sell the Prahladnagar multi-level parking complex along with its entire plot. This decision comes after the AMC's repeated unsuccessful attempts to monetize the facility through conventional means.
The Prahladnagar multi-level parking-cum-commercial building was constructed two years ago on Anandnagar Road at a substantial cost of Rs 93 crore. Despite four separate auction attempts over the past two years, the AMC has failed to sell the shops and commercial spaces within the complex.
As a result, the municipal corporation has now decided to sell the entire complex along with the land it occupies. This move provides the winning bidder with significant flexibility, including the option to discontinue the multi-level parking facility and repurpose the building according to their requirements.
Official Statement and Broader Implications
Devang Dani, the chairman of the standing committee, confirmed these decisions in an official statement. "We approved the construction of the Isanpur water tank, which includes permission to cut the necessary trees," Dani stated, acknowledging the environmental trade-off involved in the infrastructure project.
These approvals highlight the complex challenges urban administrators face in managing growing cities. On one hand, there's pressing need for improved infrastructure to serve expanding populations; on the other, there are environmental considerations and the efficient management of public assets.
The tree removal decision particularly underscores the difficult choices between immediate urban needs and long-term environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, the parking complex sale represents a strategic shift in how the municipal corporation approaches underutilized public assets, opting for complete divestment rather than continued operational management.
Both decisions will have lasting impacts on Ahmedabad's urban landscape, affecting everything from water security and green cover to commercial development patterns in key city areas.
