Gujarat model runs into land row
Pradyumnasinh Chaudasma, a farmer in the Bavaliyari village of Gujarat stated that the government has promised to turn this place into a city of gold. But what can be done if the people of this village are not able to derive the benefits? The Gujarat government did come up with a plan that would that would develop the area significantly. 22 villages here are supposed to become a special investment region at Dholera.
Gujarat came up with the SIR Act in 2009 and took charge of certain zones such as Santalpur (near Patan), Dahej (Bharuch) and Mandal-Becharaji (Ahmedabad). Out of all of them, the village of Dholera was the most important, vital and full of ambitions. A SIR is not similar to a special economic zone. There are specific areas where focus has been laid upon such as industry, agriculture, residential and entertainment zones. Education is also a part of it although it depends upon the size.
According to political watchers, SIRs do stand a chance in the future although there are a couple of places where working is required. YK Algah, an economist has also mentioned that the farmers of Gujarat don’t have anything against industrialization. Instead he stresses upon the importance of micro level planning. Just by making lines across the map does not help in any way.
The biggest problem in Gujarat is that demands for non-agricultural land are rising pretty quickly when the when the net agricultural lands are not growing much. The Dholera SIR Development Authority is still making some plans in order to work towards the establishment of roads, water connectivity, and electricity at Dholera. Farmers here are patiently waiting for the Narmada waters to flow into their fields so that they can put in more efforts on their farming activities. The big question is whether our new Prime Minister will try to lay emphasis on the development of similar investment projects all throughout India? All of this depends upon the rate of growth and development at Dholera.
Source: Sohini Das
affordable housing in Gujrat, demands for non-agricultural land, Dholera SIR Development Authority, Gujarat model, Gujarat model of development, Gujrat government, Gujrat infrastructure, Gujrat residential property market, Gujrat residents, real estate in gujrat, special investment region at Dholera
