Gujarat:CM marks 20 years of Urban Development Initiatives

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday addressed an event organized by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation at Paldi Tagore Hall,under the Urban Development 2025 initiative, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to improving the ‘Ease of Living’ for citizens across the state.The event marked 20 years of Gujarat’s urban transformation, a journey that began in 2005 when then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi declared the first Urban Development Year. Patel announced that 2025 will once again be celebrated as Urban Development Year to accelerate the state’s growth trajectory.
‘Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shehari Vikas Yojana’: Big Push for Small Cities
Highlighting the achievements of the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shehari Vikas Yojana (SJMSVY), Patel said the scheme has become a “big government” initiative for small towns, ensuring access to essential infrastructure. Since 2014-15, projects worth nearly Rs4,000 crore have been undertaken to improve water supply, sewerage systems, and sanitation facilities in smaller cities.Over the last decade, works worth Rs2,526 crore have been completed, benefiting citizens in nearly 100 towns. Currently, 54 cities are witnessing major infrastructure upgrades, including sewage treatment plants, underground drainage systems, and water supply projects worth Rs1,398 crore.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Under the Urban Development 2025 initiative, a program was organized by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation at Paldi Tagore Hall. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended the event as the chief guest pic.twitter.com/5o5gYTByxR

— IANS (@ians_india) July 19, 2025

Key Projects Driving Urban Transformation
•Sewage Treatment Plants: GUDC has initiated 16 STP projects worth Rs283 crore. Two projects in Mehsana and Vadnagar have been completed, while 14 others in towns such as Gadhada, Kathlal, and Upleta are in progress.
•Water Supply Projects: Ten major water supply schemes worth Rs216 crore have been implemented in cities like Vijalpore, Dahod, and Surendranagar.
•Underground Sewerage: Works worth Rs2,255 crore have been completed in multiple towns, including Anand, Bharuch, Veraval-Patan, and Palanpur, while projects worth ₹1,100 crore are underway in 49 other cities.
Patel said these measures have significantly improved sanitation, public health, and water management in smaller towns, enhancing overall quality of life.
Green Policy for Ahmedabad: 5% Land for Urban Forests
In a major policy announcement, Patel introduced the ‘Greening Policy Measures for a Greener Ahmedabad’. Under this directive, all new town planning schemes must allocate 5% of total land for green cover, with 1% dedicated to urban forests developed using the Miyawaki method for rapid, dense afforestation.
Vision for 2025 and Beyond
Patel reiterated that urban development will remain a priority under his leadership. “We are committed to ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth. From basic infrastructure to green initiatives, our efforts are aimed at making cities more livable,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Gujarat’s approach focuses not only on expanding physical infrastructure but also on creating a balanced urban ecosystem that addresses water management, sanitation, green spaces, and quality of life for all residents.

(State Correspondent)