Ahmedabad civic body raises fees and deposits for builders

In a notable development, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has recently made significant changes to its fee and deposit structure, aiming to address ecological concerns and enhance the accountability of builders in the region. These changes come in the wake of a growing concern over defaults by builders, who have yet to claim their substantial tree plantation deposits amounting to over Rs 100 crore. To encourage a more responsible approach towards environmental preservation, the civic body has decided to augment the refund amount for tree plantation deposits, signalling its commitment to promoting green initiatives in the city.

Under the revised guidelines, residential builders are now eligible for a refund of Rs 3,000 per tree after a span of five years, an increase of Rs 2,000 from the previous amount. On the other hand, commercial projects are entitled to a refund of Rs 5,000 per tree, further incentivizing the integration of trees within urban landscapes. This commendable move is grounded in the stipulations set forth in the General Development Control Regulations (GDCR) of 2017, mandating builders to plant a minimum of five trees for every 200 square meters of construction area within Ahmedabad city.

The rationale behind these refunds is tied to a stringent verification process, which necessitates builders to substantiate their claims by providing evidence of thriving tree plantations at the designated sites. This meticulous inspection by AMC's site inspecting officers ensures the actual implementation of the green initiatives. It is noteworthy that this approach aligns with the city's commitment to sustainable urban development and biodiversity preservation.

In a parallel initiative aimed at holistic urban planning and sustainable water management, the AMC has also introduced a refundable surcharge of Rs 75,000 for percolating wells. This visionary move seeks to encourage builders to incorporate percolating wells in their newly constructed societies during the process of obtaining Building Use (BU) permissions. The percolating well deposit not only underscores the importance of groundwater recharge and flood mitigation but also showcases AMC's forward-looking stance on water resource management.

However, recent evaluations of the percolating wells implemented over the past year have revealed a mixed bag of results. During a thorough inspection in May, AMC discovered that a significant number of the assessed percolating wells were either poorly maintained or completely absent from their designated sites. This underlines the need for ongoing monitoring and adherence to the prescribed regulations, reflecting the challenges inherent in enforcing compliance.

These increments in refundable deposits and fees represent the first adjustments in a span of five years. In a parallel development, the construction fee has undergone a threefold increase, soaring from Rs 20 per square meter to Rs 60 per square meter. Elaborating on the motivations behind these changes, AMC Deputy Municipal Commissioner I K Patel emphasized the necessity of accommodating rising service costs associated with new projects, thereby ensuring the sustainable provision of essential services.

In conclusion, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's recent strides in redefining its fee and deposit structure carry far-reaching implications for environmental preservation, sustainable urban planning, and responsible construction practices. These forward-looking adjustments not only underscore the city's commitment to green initiatives and water management but also highlight the imperative of accountability and adherence to regulations within the construction sector. As Ahmedabad continues its journey towards holistic development, these measures serve as crucial building blocks for a more sustainable and resilient urban landscape.

Next (Beneficiaries of housing schemes owe Rs 100 crore to Vadodara civic body)

Ahmedabad civic body raises fees and deposits for builders

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