Gandhinagar: Gujarat government has taken a decision to allocate government land free of cost to municipalities across Gujarat for public welfare projects.

Under this decision, municipalities will be provided government land for the development of 11 types of basic civic facilities. In cases where land is not allotted entirely free, municipalities will receive exemptions ranging from 25 to 50 percent of the market price or Jantri rate, significantly reducing the financial burden on urban local bodies.

As many as 152 municipalities in the state are expected to benefit from this decision. With reduced expenditure on land acquisition and a simplified land allotment process, civic service–oriented development projects are likely to gain momentum and be implemented at a faster pace.

According to the state government, the decision taken by the Chief Minister adopts a citizen-centric approach, ensuring easier access to essential urban amenities. The facilities covered under this initiative include Nagar Seva Sadan, fire stations, sewage treatment plants, water treatment plants, underground sewerage systems, drainage pumping stations, water supply projects, solid and liquid waste management plants, storm water drainage works, anganwadis, town halls, community halls, and convention centres.

The move is aimed at strengthening urban administration, improving transparency, and ensuring timely availability of essential services to citizens. DeshGujarat