Ahmedabad builders struggle with unclaimed tree deposits

11 Aug 2023 CW Team

In the face of a mounting predicament involving uncollected tree plantation deposits worth over $1000 million by numerous builders, Ahmedabad's civic body has implemented an increment in the refund amounts. For residential projects, the refund now stands at Rs 3,000 per tree (from the earlier Rs 1,000), and for commercial projects, it's set at Rs 5,000 per tree (up from Rs 3,000) after five years.

The stipulated refund can only be claimed by builders upon demonstrating the survival of the tree plantations to the site by inspecting officers of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). In accordance with the 2017 General Development Control Regulations (GDCR), builders are mandated to plant a minimum of five trees for every 200 square metres of area, a requirement vital within Ahmedabad city.

In a parallel move, the AMC has introduced a percolating well deposit of Rs 75,000 starting this year. This refundable surcharge aims to ensure that builders incorporate percolating wells into newly constructed societies at the time of Building Use (BU) permission. However, sources within the AMC reveal that during a recent inspection of 1,404 percolating wells conducted in May, numerous wells were found to be either poorly maintained or entirely absent at their designated sites.

These revisions mark the first adjustments in five years. Notably, the construction fee has experienced a tripling, surging from Rs 20 per square metre to Rs 60 per square metre. The series of modifications underscores the AMC's commitment to environmental preservation and urban planning enforcement amidst an evolving real estate landscape.

Resources

03 Jun 2026

Jyoti Structures Launches Heat Safety Drive Across Sites

Jyoti Structures (JSL) has strengthened heat safety measures across its project sites and manufacturing facilities as temperatures rise across India. The company has implemented a Summer Safety Plan covering all transmission line projects to address risks related to heat stress, dehydration and worker fatigue.The initiative includes rescheduling work away from peak afternoon temperatures, provision of drinking water, ORS and lemon-salt solutions, and installation of rest shelters near work areas. Daily toolbox talks, worker health monitoring, first-aid preparedness, emergency transport arrange..

MHADA Declares 82 Buildings Most Dangerous in Central and South Mumbai

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has declared 82 buildings as most dangerous across Central and South Mumbai and has appealed to residents to vacate immediately. The list, prepared after structural assessments by the authority, identifies buildings judged to pose imminent risk to occupants and to passersby. Local civic bodies have been asked to coordinate evacuations and to make arrangements for temporary shelter and rehabilitation for displaced households. Officials said the authority prioritised buildings with visible structural distress, severe cracking, tiltin..

Damage Reported At Halwara Airport Terminal After First Rains

Severe damage was reported at the terminal of Halwara Airport during the first major rain spell of the season, prompting immediate concern among aviation and local authorities. Images from the site showed water ingress and visible deterioration of the terminal interior, affecting passenger areas and ancillary services. The airport authority suspended certain operations temporarily to assess structural safety and ensure passenger wellbeing. Preliminary inspections have prioritised electrical systems and roof seals to prevent further water ingress. State aviation officials ordered a formal inqui..