Urban development in Gujarat

Abstract

The chapter discusses various aspects of urbanization and policy initiatives in Gujarat. The contribution of migration in the relative growth of urban areas is 44% and yet, the proportion of slums in the state has fallen sharply during the last decade suggesting success of specific efforts by the state and municipal authorities. The Urban Land Ceiling Act is repealed but the processes are yet not simplified enough. Water supply in big cities is far from satisfactory perhaps because suggested reforms have not been implemented. In solid waste disposal, however, reforms have been introduced with private participation to improve the collection efficiency. Focused state intervention has improved both the quality and quantity of urban road network. Municipal finances in Gujarat show significantly higher revenue collection than the national average in spite of complete abolition of octroi since 2007. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has successfully tapped the capital market to finance urban infrastructure projects.