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In an unprecedented move, the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) has utilized INR 20 crore, which was accumulated from unclaimed builders’ deposits to plant 100,000 trees in various areas within its jurisdiction in 2022. Remarkably, this sizable fund had remained untouched and unclaimed for over 15 years.
The Common General Development Control Regulations (CGDCR) 2017 stipulate that builders seeking clearance for their building plans must assure that they will plant five trees for every 200 square meters of their project. This commitment is enforced by a deposit of INR 2,000 per tree, which is paid to civic bodies such as the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and AUDA.
Upon verification that the committed trees have indeed been planted and are flourishing, the civic bodies refund the deposit amount to the builders. However, according to insiders, despite having collected a hefty sum of INR 100 crore and INR 20 crore, respectively, no builders have approached AMC or AUDA with substantial proof of tree planting to reclaim their deposits.
DP Desai, CEO of AUDA, confirmed that the organization has judiciously used the unclaimed INR 20 crore fund to plant 100,000 trees in areas along SP Ring Road. According to AUDA sources, INR 10 crore was allocated to plant 25,000 trees along a 76 km stretch of SP Ring Road, a major traffic artery of the city.
In addition, INR 6 crore was channelled to develop 75 forest clusters, known as 'Azadi Ka Amrit Van', in 75 villages under AUDA's jurisdiction, each of these clusters boasting a rich density of 1,000 trees. These initiatives not only enhance the green cover but also promote biodiversity in the region. The civic body is currently in the process of planting more trees with the remaining INR 4 crore.
This initiative by AUDA goes beyond just executing a regulatory obligation. By transforming a substantial unclaimed amount into a green initiative, AUDA has demonstrated an innovative approach towards urban development and environmental conservation. The large-scale tree plantation will significantly contribute to improving the city's air quality, mitigating urban heat island effects, and enhancing the overall quality of life for the residents of Ahmedabad.
The tree plantation drive is a part of a broader initiative by AUDA to improve the city's sustainability quotient. Other efforts include promoting renewable energy, reducing waste, and encouraging sustainable transport. The reforestation initiative has also created jobs for local residents, from tree planting to maintenance, thereby contributing to the local economy.
AUDA's move has set a precedent for other urban development bodies across the country. It highlights the importance of enforcing and adhering to environmental regulations during urban development. It also underscores how unclaimed funds can be repurposed for the benefit of the community at large.
In conclusion, AUDA's remarkable initiative to use unclaimed builders' deposits for the greening of Ahmedabad has provided a three-fold benefit. It has contributed to environmental conservation, enhanced the city's urban landscape, and promoted socio-economic growth. The effort underscores how civic bodies can turn unused resources into environmental and societal assets, thereby contributing to a sustainable future for their cities.
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