Ahmedabad faces urban infrastructure challenges amid growth ambitions

As India prepares for a significant wave of urbanization by 2050, experts at a GREMI symposium in Ahmedabad emphasized the need for cities to prioritize affordability, inclusivity, and livability over mere expansion. Dr. Anil Kashyap, Director General of GREMI, noted that with nearly 45 percent of the global population already in urban areas, the focus must shift toward improving the quality and sustainability of existing environments.

Despite these strategic discussions, Ahmedabad is currently grappling with a water crisis. Thousands of households across 14 wards remain dependent on water tankers to meet basic needs. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has arranged over 35,000 tanker trips at an estimated cost of 1.71 crore rupees to address shortages in various zones. While the AMC attributes tanker deployment to pipeline repairs and distribution issues, residents report that the struggle for drinking water is a regular occurrence, highlighting gaps in the city's infrastructure as it prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.