Gujarat High Court Criticizes Over-Development and Traffic Management in Ahmedabad
On Monday, the Gujarat High Court voiced concerns over Ahmedabad’s rapid urbanization, highlighting issues related to the city’s shrinking green spaces and increasing traffic problems. The remarks came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the construction of a flyover at the Panjrapole cross-road [Dharini Shah & Ors. v. State of Gujarat & Ors.].
Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal criticized the ongoing development, noting the lack of green areas in apartment complexes and other new constructions. “Ahmedabad is on track to become a concrete jungle. I am being modest when I say that it will soon become that,” Chief Justice Agarwal remarked.
The Bench, which also included Justice Pranav Trivedi, emphasized the need for comprehensive urban planning to address both traffic congestion and the reduction in green spaces. The PIL, filed by Ahmedabad residents, challenges the flyover project, arguing that it would lead to the destruction of significant green areas and exacerbate traffic problems by narrowing roads on both sides of the flyover.
The petitioners have raised several concerns:
– Environmental Impact: They argue that the construction will eliminate extensive green cover, including several trees along the road.
– Traffic Congestion: They contend that the project will make roads narrower, increasing traffic congestion.
– Contractor Concerns: The petitioners have pointed out that Ranjeet Constructions Private Limited, the company awarded the contract, has a history of problematic constructions, including a bridge collapse.
Counsel for the petitioners also highlighted a significant decrease in Ahmedabad’s green cover, citing a report showing a 48 percent reduction since 2011. The city’s green cover has shrunk from 17.96 square kilometers in 2011 to approximately 9 square kilometers today.
Chief Justice Agarwal further discussed traffic issues, noting that two-wheeler riders in Ahmedabad often speed and neglect helmet use, leading to frequent accidents. She specifically mentioned Bodakdev’s Judges Bunglow Road as particularly hazardous due to high-speed riding.
The Chief Justice called for a holistic approach to urban planning, stating, “Traffic problems require comprehensive planning. Flyovers and similar projects often reflect short-term solutions and do not consider the city’s overall structure. Planning must account for the entire urban environment.”
The Court has instructed the petitioners to expand their case to include these broader issues and scheduled further hearings for August 5. Advocate Salil M. Thakore is representing the petitioners in this matter.
(With inputs from agency)
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