Ahmedabad's Green Infrastructure Drive for 2030 Commonwealth Games
With Ahmedabad set to host the prestigious Commonwealth Games in 2030, the city's municipal authorities have launched an ambitious initiative to enhance green infrastructure and improve air quality. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has revealed comprehensive measures aimed at creating a sustainable urban environment for the upcoming international sporting event.
Targeted Pollution Control in Identified Hotspots
The civic body has identified nine specific pollution hotspots across the city where targeted action plans are being implemented. These areas include Pirana, Rakhial, Raikhad, Bopal, Vatva, SP Stadium, Chandkheda, Maninagar, and sixteen construction and demolition waste collection centers. Special monitoring systems have been established in these locations to make pollution control efforts more effective and measurable.
Substantial Grant Utilization for Clean Air Initiatives
AMC officials have reported significant progress in utilizing funds allocated for environmental improvements. Of the Rs 652.22 crore grant received through various programs, an impressive 95.69 per cent, amounting to Rs 624.14 crore, has already been utilized. These funds have been channeled through the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and the 15th Finance Commission to support the city's clean air objectives.
Advanced Pollution Control Infrastructure
The municipal corporation has deployed sophisticated equipment to combat air pollution across Ahmedabad. Currently, 16 truck-mounted mist machines are operational throughout the city, with six specifically dedicated to the Pirana dumpsite and surrounding areas. The remaining ten machines operate regularly on identified polluted road routes. Additionally, 62 mechanical road sweeper machines have been deployed for particulate matter (PM) mitigation, significantly reducing road dust pollution.
Stringent Construction Sector Regulations
To address pollution originating from construction activities, the AMC has implemented a Good Construction Practices Policy with mandatory requirements for larger construction sites. For projects with a built-up area exceeding 20,000 square metres, the following measures are now compulsory:
- Installation of dust sensors and air quality display boards
- Implementation of CCTV surveillance systems
- Use of mist machines on-site
- Complete covering of excavated soil or sand
- Provision of barricades and green nets around construction perimeters
- Proper paving of internal access roads
- Installation of tyre washer systems at entry and exit points
Under this policy, dust sensors have already been installed at over 140 construction sites across Ahmedabad. The increased use of green nets at construction sites has contributed to a reduction in penalty collections, with Rs 1.71 crore collected during 2024–25 compared to Rs 1.16 crore so far in 2025–26.
Comprehensive Waste Management System
In the construction and demolition waste management sector, Ahmedabad has developed 25 collection centres throughout the city. A processing plant with a capacity of 1,000 tonnes per day (TPD) is currently operational at Gyaspur, with another plant of equal capacity scheduled to become operational by December 2026. This expansion will further reduce airborne dust particles through scientific disposal of construction waste.
Expanding Green Cover Across the City
To maintain environmental balance and enhance the city's aesthetics, Ahmedabad has significantly increased its green infrastructure. The development of 303 gardens and 118 urban forests across the city has boosted Ahmedabad's green cover to approximately 12.5 per cent. During 2024–25 alone, municipal authorities planted more than four million saplings, contributing to improved air quality and urban biodiversity.
These comprehensive measures represent Ahmedabad's commitment to creating a sustainable, environmentally-friendly urban landscape in preparation for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The municipal corporation's multi-faceted approach addresses various pollution sources while simultaneously enhancing the city's green infrastructure, setting a precedent for sustainable urban development in India.
