Ahmedabad's urban development authority, known as AUDA, has swiftly reversed its decision regarding a proposed zoning change for rural areas located on the eastern outskirts of the city. This unexpected turnaround has caused confusion and controversy among both residents and developers. The initial zoning alteration, put forth in June of this year, aimed to convert approximately twelve thousand hectares of agricultural land in 19 villages within the Mahemdavad-Kheda region on Ahmedabad's eastern boundary. The plan was to reclassify these areas from their current 'agricultural' designation to 'industrial' and residential zones, with the intention of stimulating economic growth and urban expansion. This was particularly targeted at an area that had been lagging behind the more developed western part of the city, where the majority of villages under AUDA's jurisdiction are located. Prior to submitting the proposal for final approval by the state government, AUDA opted to conduct a comprehensive review to assess the feasibility and potential impact of this proposed re-zoning. A meeting is scheduled for Monday, during which AUDA will seek approval from its board members to proceed with this review. The sudden shift in direction has raised questions about AUDA's motivations and methods, as well as concerns about the future of the 19 villages and their residents. The proposal encompasses 12 villages within the Mahemdavad taluka and seven within the Kheda taluka. Back in 2009, AUDA extended its jurisdiction to include 68 additional villages, which were categorized as agricultural zones, effectively limiting development within them. These villages have been awaiting a change in their zoning status for over a decade, but their hopes were dashed when AUDA shifted its focus to the eastern region. In a prior meeting, AUDA's board had granted its chairman the authority to proceed with the proposed zoning change for the 19 villages within the Kheda-Mahemdavad area. The decision to pursue this change was based on an analysis of development potential, speed, scope, and land utilization patterns. The villages that were under consideration for this zoning adjustment include: Amarsan, Areri, Devki Vansol, Kacchai, Kanij, Khatraj, Jiwanpura, Nenpur, Pahad, Raska, Sansoli, and Sojali within the Kheda taluka; and Bidj, Lali, Mahji, Sankhej, Sarasa, Vasana, Margia, and Umiyapur within the Mahemdavad taluka. See also: Godrej Properties acquires 28 acres land parcel in BengaluruODP for 2031 for Panaji will include a GIS-based zoning plan