Ahmedabad CM Launches Glow Garden, Moon Trail Park and Solar EV Charging Station
Ahmedabad recently unveiled a suite of development initiatives, including the ‘Ahmedabad Policy for Good Construction Practices’ and the ‘Urban Greening Policy’. These policies, launched during the ‘Urban Development Year 2025’ celebrations, underscore the city’s commitment to creating an eco-friendly, gender-neutral, and equitable urban environment. The focus on green infrastructure and e-mobility signals a transformative approach, positioning Ahmedabad not merely as a growth engine but as a pioneer in climate-resilient urbanisation, aligned with the national vision of a developed India by 2047.
The inauguration event celebrated Ahmedabad’s recent recognition as the cleanest city among those with over a million population in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, an achievement attributed to a pervasive cleanliness movement. This accolade sets a high benchmark for urban governance, prompting renewed emphasis on comprehensive development. The newly introduced policies aim to embed sustainability directly into the city’s growth trajectory. The ‘Urban Greening Policy’, for instance, mandates a 5% green cover allocation for all new town planning schemes, with 1% specifically for dense Miyawaki urban forests, aiming to reverse the trend of tree felling for development. This proactive measure is vital for enhancing air quality, mitigating urban heat island effects, and enriching biodiversity, contributing to a zero net carbon future.
Furthermore, the city is placing a strong emphasis on e-mobility to reduce its carbon footprint. A groundbreaking on-route solar-powered electric charging station, the first of its kind in the country, has become operational in Ahmedabad. This initiative is designed to bolster the e-mobility ecosystem, facilitating the transition to cleaner public and private transport. Such investments are critical for developing sustainable transport networks that are accessible and efficient for all citizens, irrespective of gender or socio-economic background, thereby promoting equitable urban access and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Beyond policy frameworks, tangible green infrastructure projects are also progressing. Over the past three years, Ahmedabad has reportedly planted more than 70 lakh (7 million) trees and developed approximately 320 Oxygen Parks and Urban Forests across various zones. These green spaces are not just aesthetic enhancements; they serve as vital urban lungs, providing ecological benefits and accessible recreational areas. The development of new attractions along the Sabarmati Riverfront, such as the Moon Trail Park and the Glow Garden, further exemplifies the integration of public spaces with environmental consciousness, enhancing livability and promoting active, outdoor lifestyles for all residents.
The ambitious vision for Ahmedabad’s future is encapsulated within the ‘Viksit Gujarat @ 2047’ roadmap, an integral part of the larger ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’ national aspiration. This roadmap envisions cities as integrated growth hubs guided by the principle of ‘Earning Well, Living Well.’ The current urban development projects, with their dual focus on accelerated growth and environmental preservation, are foundational steps towards realising this long-term objective. By committing to green, clean, and hygienic urban landscapes, Ahmedabad aims to demonstrate how climate-resilient and sustainably growing cities can truly embody principles of green growth, setting a precedent for holistic urban development across the nation.
