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HomeUrban NewsAhmedabadGujarat’s Anti-Illegal Construction Law Fails to Curb Growth

Gujarat’s Anti-Illegal Construction Law Fails to Curb Growth

Gujarat’s Anti-Illegal Construction Law Fails to Curb Growth

The Gujarat Regulation of Unauthorised Development Act, 2022, was introduced with the aim of curbing illegal construction in the state, a move that seemed to promise a step forward in controlling the city’s unplanned growth. However, a deeper look reveals a paradox: while the law purports to penalise and demolish such structures, it simultaneously legalises them in exchange for a fee. This dual approach appears to be undermining its very purpose and has led to the continued flourishing of illegal buildings across cities like Ahmedabad.

In 2024 alone, more than 2,000 illegal constructions emerged across Ahmedabad, prompting the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to issue demolition notices. The spread of these unauthorised developments spanned across various zones of the city, including 243 in the North Zone, 289 in the Central Zone, 698 in the South Zone, and smaller numbers in the North-West and West Zones. While some of these were demolished, others were regularised after a fee was paid. However, the absence of stringent guidelines or swift action has allowed many illegal constructions to persist, exacerbating the problem. The AMC, which operates on complaints rather than taking proactive action, further weakens the law’s effectiveness, turning the regulation into a mere formality rather than a deterrent.

The dangers posed by illegal constructions are many. These buildings, often hastily constructed or altered without proper planning, endanger the safety of residents. For instance, they could have structural weaknesses that compromise the load-bearing capacity of the building, increasing the risk of collapse. Such structures often encroach upon areas designated for parking or other essential services, thereby straining the city’s already stretched infrastructure. For example, roads, sewage, and water supply systems bear the brunt of this unchecked expansion, leading to issues like low water pressure, sewage backups, and even waterlogging during monsoon rains. Furthermore, illegal restaurants, gyms, or other businesses that often operate in residential buildings without necessary permits pose significant risks, especially during emergencies like fires. These illegal operations can hinder rescue efforts, jeopardising the safety of the entire neighbourhood.

Between the enactment of the Gujarat Regulation of Unauthorised Development Act in 2022 and December 2024, the AMC received 68,988 applications to regularise illegal constructions. Of these, 18,197 were approved, generating a substantial Rs 198.35 crore for the civic body. However, a large number, 35,903, were rejected, highlighting a clear imbalance between the number of illegal constructions and the law’s enforcement. This irregularity underscores a larger issue: the continued existence of illegal developments due to lenient policies and the lack of effective implementation. The city’s citizens and urban planners are left grappling with the long-term consequences of this ineffective regulation.

From a sustainability perspective, the unchecked growth of illegal constructions represents a serious threat to the environment and the city’s long-term planning. The construction of buildings without regard to zoning laws or sustainability considerations leads to greater urban sprawl, increasing the pressure on existing resources such as water, electricity, and green spaces. Furthermore, the rise in construction-related waste, including debris from demolished buildings, contributes to pollution and environmental degradation. In cities like Ahmedabad, where rapid urbanisation is occurring, sustainable urban planning has never been more critical. However, the lack of stringent enforcement of the Gujarat Regulation of Unauthorised Development Act raises questions about the city’s commitment to long-term sustainability goals. Without effective regulation, the pursuit of a sustainable and well-planned urban future becomes a distant dream.

In conclusion, while the Gujarat Regulation of Unauthorised Development Act presents an opportunity to combat illegal constructions, the law’s implementation and effectiveness remain questionable. The continuous growth of unauthorised developments, coupled with the inability of local authorities to enforce regulations effectively, has allowed this issue to persist. In light of these challenges, it is essential for the state to rethink its approach, focusing on stricter enforcement and transparent procedures to ensure that illegal buildings do not continue to proliferate at the cost of safety, infrastructure, and sustainability.

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