AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat Regulation of Unauthorised Development Act, 2022, seems to be a paradox as on one hand, it tries to curb unauthorised development, on the other, it legalises it, for a fee. The law, which was first introduced in early 2000s, then in 2011 and finally enacted again in 2022, has been unable to stop new illegal constructions or additions to existing residential or commercial buildings.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) demolishing some while approving others against a payment only de-claws the law.
In 2024 alone, more than 2,000 illegal constructions sprung up across the city, for which AMC issued demolition notices.
Of these, 243 were in the North Zone, some of which were razed, 289 in the Central Zone, 698 in the South Zone, 125 in the North-West Zone and 104 in the West Zone. Additionally, approximately 500 illegal constructions in the South-West and East Zones received notices.
An AMC source said, “Notices on illegal constructions are issued across different zones, with three warnings given before sealing and eventual demolition. However, AMC sends notices only following complaints.
No suo motu action is taken, allowing illegal constructions to continue. Also, in the absence of clear guidelines on demolishing illegal structures, notices often do not translate into demolitions.”
Illegal constructions in residential or commercial buildings can be unsafe, as they can affect a structure’s load bearing capacity. They take up spaces designated for parkings and strain infrastructure like roads, water distribution networks and sewage systems, causing low water pressure, sewage backups and waterlogging during rains.
Unauthorised restaurants, gyms or other structures on terraces hinder rescue operations during fires or other emergencies. Often, residential buildings are repurposed for business, escalating the risk of fires and leading to commercialisation of residential areas while worsening traffic jams.
Since the Gujarat Regulation of Unauthorised Development Act’s enactment in 2022 till Dec 8, 2024, AMC has received 68,988 applications to regularise illegal constructions, of which 18,197 were approved generating Rs 198.35 crore for the civic body, and 35,903 were rejected.
