Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) today, in its draft budget for 2026–27, has proposed the development of key new civic-centric facilities in the city. These including new attraction at Kankaria Lake Front, development of new Auditoriums, Community Halls, and Party Plots.

At Kankaria Lakefront, a new Light and Sound Show is planned at a cost of Rs 10 crore, while the picnic house will be redeveloped at Rs 60 crore.

Kids City and Candy World are also proposed for renovation under the PPP model.

At the city zoo, several animal enclosures will be upgraded, including monkey, crocodile, and deer cages. A key attraction will be a new Walk-in Aviary to be built at a cost of Rs 25 crore, along with the installation of an LED lighting system in the nocturnal zoo.

To boost social and cultural activities, four new auditoriums are planned in Thaltej, Vasna–Chandkheda, and Thakkarbapanagar at an estimated cost of Rs 260 crore.

In addition, six new community halls will be constructed in Lamba, Thaltej–Bhadj, Navrangpura, Bapunagar–Naroda, Vastral, and Khadia–Dariapur–Shahibagh at a cost of Rs 121.03 crore. The draft budget also includes provisions for seven new party plots worth Rs 54.20 crore.

Focus on education, science, and art

The draft budget also proposes significant investments in educational and scientific facilities. Plans include 12 new libraries and three reading rooms at a total cost of Rs 53.10 crore. A futuristic Science Park for children and youth is proposed at a cost of Rs 80 crore, while an Art Gallery worth Rs 10 crore is also included.

Animal welfare and stray control measures

A dedicated allocation of Rs 22.50 crore has been made for animal welfare and management. Under the Cattle Policy–2023, initiatives such as Cow Tourism, an animal hospital, and an animal crematorium are planned at Bakarol. The ABC Rules–2023 propose dog-friendly shelters in Vastral and Lamba, along with ABC centres in Naroda and Chandkheda. Under NAPRE–2030, facilities such as RFID microchipping, vaccination drives, and a mobile operation theatre van for stray dogs are also proposed.

These proposed projects aim to significantly enhance civic amenities, strengthen tourism appeal, and improve the overall quality of life for residents in the coming years. DeshGujarat