GHB Societies in Ahmedabad Seek Action Against Dissenters Blocking Redevelopment

Ahemdabad: Over 500 residents from more than 105 Gujarat Housing Board (GHB) societies gathered outside the Ahmedabad Collector’s office on Wednesday, voicing frustration over delays that have left their redevelopment projects stalled.

Representing societies from both the eastern and western parts of the city, the residents submitted a memorandum to the collector, urging that their concerns be forwarded to the relevant authorities to secure a lasting resolution. They blamed the deadlock on policy loopholes and ineffective enforcement of redevelopment regulations.

According to the residents, a small group of dissenting members—motivated by personal interests, greed, and demands for “gift money”—are deliberately obstructing progress by filing court cases. This, they allege, has delayed redevelopment plans for two to three years, forcing many families to live in prolonged uncertainty and hardship.

The Housing Apartment Redevelopment Federation (HARF), which represents these GHB societies, urged the collector to address several key issues. Their main demands include fast-tracking redevelopment cases pending for over a year and strictly enforcing demolition and redevelopment laws. Notably, they have asked for Section 60A of the GHB Act, 1961, to be made time-bound to protect the rights of the 75% of homeowners who have consented to redevelopment but are being blocked by a small group of dissenters.

Tensions were especially high as office bearers and members highlighted stalled projects in West Ahmedabad, such as Abhishek, Surya Vibhag-2, Amar Suramya, Shastrinagar M5.8/16, M5.40/45, M5.96+24, Shanti Ravi, and Unnati flats. Other societies like Shraddhadip, Nirmal Apartment, Gokul Sundarvan, Shrinagar, Shri Ganesh, Shivaayalaya, as well as Vishram Park, Utsav Hariom Nagar, and Kiranpark in Wadaj, have seen no progress for the past four years. In East Ahmedabad, Vaishali Apartments and Parishramnagar remain similarly entangled in legal disputes.

Residents also argued that after a tripartite agreement among the Board, the society, and the appointed developer, the responsibility of persuading the remaining 25% dissenting members unfairly falls on societies and developers.

HARF members and residents noted they have repeatedly petitioned the GHB commissioner, the Chief Minister’s Office, and AMC officials, but without success. They warned that if their demands remain unmet after this peaceful demonstration, they will begin an indefinite hunger strike. DeshGujarat