Gujarat : Vapi Landowners Oppose 40% Land Cut in New Development Plan

VAPI: Strong opposition has emerged from stakeholders over the proposed 40% land deduction under the new development plan for the Vapi Urban Development Authority (VUDA), with representatives warning that the provision could hurt landowners, farmers and future development in the industrial city.

A stakeholder meeting chaired by VUDA Chairman and Collector Nitin Sangwan was held on Thursday to gather suggestions for the proposed development plan. The plan is being prepared using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, keeping in mind Vapi’s growth over the next decade.

The proposed plan covers around 88 sq km and focuses on road widening, wastewater management, water distribution, green spaces and buffer zones to address challenges arising from rapid industrialisation.

Stakeholders strongly demanded that the 40% deduction provision be reconsidered. Former Vapi Municipality vice-president Abhay Nahar said, “Landowners had already paid the government for uncultivated land in the past. Taking another 40% deduction under the new plan is not justified. The deduction should be based on the earlier provisions.”

CREDAI Secretary Jagdish Bhatu suggested that the development plan should follow the old village maps rather than projections and proposed three broad zones—residential, commercial and industrial.

Builder Vijay Desai called for an industrial township to meet the housing needs of Vapi’s workforce, while Ajay Bhatt sought additional east-west connectivity options. Other stakeholders recommended an 18-metre minimum road width and a 30-metre outer ring road.

CREDAI Vapi Vice-President Hitesh Bhanushali stressed the need for an integrated development plan. “With Vapi’s population expected to reach 11.54 lakh by 2045, public transport systems such as Metro or BRTS will become essential.” He also called for hydraulic and high-flood-level studies.

According to the presentation, Vapi’s population was 2.53 lakh in 2011 and is projected to rise sharply due to industrial migration from Vapi GIDC, Daman and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.