Gandhinagar: Chief Minister Mr. Bhupendra Patel today launched Gandhinagar’s Development Vision Document on the occasion of the city’s 61st Foundation Day, marking a key milestone in Gujarat’s push for sustainable and tech-enabled urban transformation under Urban Development Year–2025.
Addressing a gathering of citizens, public representatives, and city officials, the Chief Minister called on all cities and towns across Gujarat to draft city-specific development roadmaps and ensure timely execution, to set a national benchmark for urban development.
From Basic Amenities to Smart Urbanism: A 20-Year Journey
Recalling the transformation that began in Urban Development Year 2005, the CM credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi—then Chief Minister of Gujarat—with pioneering a holistic approach to city development.
“Earlier, urban development meant water, drainage and roads. But since 2005, the state adopted a citizen-centric, tech-driven model. Today, we are building on two decades of consistent progress,” he said.
CM Patel announced that the urban development budget has been increased by 40%, now totaling ₹30,000 crore, with the aim of creating world-class urban centers across the state.
Vision for Urban Gujarat: Sustainable, Inclusive, and Future-Ready
Chief Minister Patel urged citizens and officials to actively participate in initiatives that promote green and sustainable urban development, including:
- Water conservation via the Catch the Rain initiative
- Tree plantation under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0
- Expansion of urban forests
- Solar rooftop adoption and e-mobility promotion
“We must develop not just smart cities, but livable, resilient, and future-ready urban spaces,” he emphasized.
Recognising the Builders of a Clean Gandhinagar
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister felicitated sanitation workers, calling them “Swachhata Warriors” for their role in helping Gandhinagar earn national recognition in Swachh Survekshan rankings. “From a Green City to a Clean City, Gandhinagar has set an example,” he added.
Leaders Speak: From ‘Excellent’ to ‘Exceptional’
Mayor Miraben Patel, in her address, highlighted the steady growth of Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation’s budget, from just ₹7.47 crore in 2010 to an estimated ₹1,718 crore in 2025–26. She urged all stakeholders to work collectively to take Gandhinagar “from Excellent to Exceptional.”
MLA Ritaben Patel celebrated the city’s transformation into a Global City, rooted in environmental consciousness and smart governance. “Gandhinagar was envisioned as a model capital, and over 60 years, that vision has become a reality,” she said.
A symbolic tree plantation was also carried out by the Chief Minister and dignitaries at Town Hall as part of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 campaign.
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Dignitaries in Attendance
The event saw the participation of key leaders and officials, including:
- MLA Mr. Alpesh Thakor (Gandhinagar South)
- Deputy Mayor Mr. Natvarji Thakor
- Standing Committee Chairman Mr. Gaurang Vyas
- Municipal Commissioner Mr. Jitendrasinh Vaghela
- District Collector Mr. Mehul Dave
- City BJP President Mr. Ashish Dave
Representatives of civic bodies, women’s groups, and social organisations
Current and former mayors, deputy mayors, corporators, and hundreds of citizens were present, reflecting widespread civic engagement in Gandhinagar’s development journey.
