The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) commissioner, M Thennarasan, presented the draft budget for the year 2024–25 on Jan 31.
It was the biggest ever draft budget introduced, worth ₹10,801 cr, with an increase of ₹2,401 cr compared to last year’s budget. The budget focuses on these five important issues for the overall development of the city:
-Developed Ahmedabad 2047
-Net zero and carbon neutrality
-Resilient and sustainable goals
-Zero waste and circular economy
-Livable and happy city
Key highlights of AMC budget 2024-25
As per the information shared by AMC on X, several excerpts from the budget have been disclosed.
Owing to the city’s aspiration to host the Olympics 2036, the AMC budget 2024–25 has decided to make Ahmedabad a ‘net zero city’. A net-zero city must collectively reduce emissions of greenhouse gases to zero and cease all practices that emit greenhouse gases.
Keeping in mind the Olympics 2036 bid, a provision for a ‘city traffic master plan’ will be made in the budget of AMC for the year 2024-25 to plan other ancillary infrastructure facilities, including roads, sewage, traffic, and parking.
A provision has been made in the budget for undertaking interlinking stormwater works on 50 ponds for rainwater harvesting as part of water supply and wastewater management.
There will be an increase of 2% in property tax, which will add ₹33 cr of revenue to AMC.
Development projects
A total of 18 lakes have been scheduled for development, including those in Muthia, Ramol, Chandola, Ranip, Ropda, Gota (phase II), Bodakdev, Malek Saban Lake (phase II), Hebatpur, Makarba, Mumatpura, Mahalakshmi Lake, and other lakes. For the development of these lakes, ₹51.50 has been allotted.
The corporation will set up an artificial intelligence (AI) cell for e-governance.
Ahmedabad to get a cultural and business centre near Tagore Memorial Hall at the cost of ₹25 cr.
Parking plot to be allotted between Gandhi Bridge and Nehru Bridge.
A sports theme road will be constructed from Kenyug Circle to SG Highway via Shyamal Cross Road and Prahladnagar Garden at a cost of ₹1 cr.
On Sindhu Bhavan Road, a city square will be developed at a cost of ₹125 cr. The city square will have a 125-metre-high core tower, including a food court, skylights, an amphitheatre, a central court, and a fountain.
Flyovers and footbridges
Three flyover bridges at Panjrapol junction, Panchvati junction, and Mansi junction have been proposed at a cost of ₹115 cr.
Ahmedabad’s Ellis Bridge is to be restored along with its pedestrian road at a cost of ₹10 cr.
Four bridges from Airport Circle to Indira Circle Road, at Narol junction, Star Bazaar, and from Nehrunagar to Shivranjani Cross Road are proposed at a cost of ₹10 cr.
Flyovers and footbridges
Three flyover bridges at Panjrapol junction, Panchvati junction, and Mansi junction have been proposed at a cost of ₹115 cr.
Ahmedabad’s Ellis Bridge is to be restored along with its pedestrian road at a cost of ₹10 cr.
Four bridges from Airport Circle to Indira Circle Road, at Narol junction, Star Bazaar, and from Nehrunagar to Shivranjani Cross Road are proposed at a cost of ₹10 cr.
₹50 cr development of the Law Garden precinct
Law Garden connecting Mithakhali to CG Road, CG Road junction to Chakli Circle, Chakli Circle to Happy Street, and Commerce Six Cross Road to be developed.
Iconic barrage
₹350 cr has been allotted to construct an iconic barrage and bridge that will be developed under the Sabarmati Riverfront Development from Acher to Sadar Bazar. The bridge will provide connectivity to Chandkheda, Sabarmati, Motera, and eastern areas like Hansol and the airport.
Sustainable goals
In a bid to reduce carbon emissions, AMC plans to convert wind power to waste-to-energy and energy-saving and set a target for green energy consumption of its total energy requirement.
To achieve a ‘zero waste city’, the budget includes a provision to create a green waste disposal policy for waste collection and disposal of wet waste in the city and to build a solid waste processing plant.
The area from the Indira bridge to the Narmada main canal is set to be developed by international developers under the planning of Sabarmati Riverfront Phase III.
As a provision for women’s empowerment, a total of 300 e-rickshaws will be provided to women to make them self-reliant. Women’s gymnasiums are proposed to be constructed in each zone, along with hostels for working women.