Auda proposes Rs 2,034 cr investments by 2011

Under the proposed Development Plan-2011, the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (Auda) plans to complete projects worth Rs 2,034 crore by the end of 2011. So far Auda has completed development works worth Rs 534 crore.

The development authority is aiming to bring in one -third of the funds from development charges, incremental contributions and registration fees. Rest of the funds will be raised through the sale of land and loans and grants.

Meanwhile, Auda has also submitted its wish list to the state government following the announcement of mega city status to Ahmedabad.

However, Surendra Patel, Auda chairman denied to divulge the details of the expectations of Auda from the state government.

"It would be better if we talk about those plans that we have already under taken," said Patel while announcing the annual financial reports of Auda.

Patel criticised the role of private players in urban development. "Agencies such as Auda develops the areas according to the demand, while private players search for participants after completion of developing the site who can afford the sites. In places such as Karnataka, IT parks have developed rapidly but it has not benefited other sectors and common people," said Patel.

AUDA spent about Rs 209 crore during the financial year 2004-05 mainly to augment roads and to commission drainage and water supply systems, beautification and to build houses for the economically weak section of the society.

The drinking water project undertaken by Auda has entered the second phase with an investment of about Rs 106 crore in the first phase out of total budget of Rs 285 crore.