In the Godhavi area of Ahmedabad, specific locations adjacent to the Amdavad Municipal Corporation limits are undergoing a zoning change. This decision is driven by the city’s growing areas and future demand, aiming to provide amenities for urban residents settling in the region. According to informed sources, these changes have been made to enhance social and educational facilities as well as improve infrastructure.
Importantly, previous announcements have highlighted the ambition to establish Olympic-level sporting facilities in Ahmedabad, alongside institutes of excellence. This vision aligns with the development of the new zoning, which will focus on creating top-notch facilities for sports and recreation.
The Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act of 1976 permits immediate implementation of this decision. In the newly designated zone of 500 acres in Godhavi, housing, commercial, and retail activities will not be permitted. This area was previously designated as an agricultural zone in 2014.
On September 12, the Gujarat government’s Urban Development and Urban Housing Department issued a notification explaining the intent to change the zoning. According to this announcement, the 500-acre area in Godhavi will now fall under a restricted institutional, sports, and recreational zone (KZ-3). Only educational and sports-related activities will be allowed in this zone, paving the way for the planned Olympic-level sporting events and facilities.
The primary notification was released on September 12, in accordance with Section 19(1) of the Gujarat Town Planning Act of 1976. Developers in the area will receive incentives of up to 12% on the Floor Space Index (FSI) charges. Star zones will be recognised as Silver Zones, offering a 7% incentive on FSI charges for development. Four-Star Zones will be classified as Gold Zones with a 10% incentive, while Platinum Zones will provide a 12% incentive on chargeable FSI. Obtaining pre-certification is mandatory to qualify for these incentives.
The following survey numbers in Godhavi have been included in the zoning change: 80-P, 84-P, 85-P, 90-P, 94-P, 41-P, 42-P, and 43-P. Most survey numbers from 41-P to 710-P fall within the 500-acre area. This land will be utilised for developing a knowledge zone and institutional zone, enhancing the potential for Olympic-level sports facilities in the region.