Ahmedabad City

Overview

Ahmedabad was founded lately in 1411 AD on the eastern bank of the river Sabarmati. It started as a walled city and expanded along and on the sides of the river with time. Ahmedabad was known a the “Manchester of the East” as it headed the textile business of the country. The city is spread over an area of 464 Sq. Km and located at an altitude of 55 meters above sea level.

During the last two decades, the city has attracted many foreign investments making Gujarat one of the few economically developed states of India. The town is known to have a great architectural tradition which is well reflected in the temples, monuments and modern buildings.

The city is well known for public transportation and public spaces which adds to its strengths. Key institutions such as Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT), National Institute of Design (NID), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Petroleum University, IIT Gandhinagar, Law University and Nirma Institute gives the educational background of the city.

Public spaces vary from squares to gardens to lakes and Sabarmati riverfront. All these spaces act as spots for relaxation and recreation. The squares are the working spaces which inhibit essential markets attracting tourists as well as the locals. The Sabarmati riverfront in the city is first of its kind in the country, a long stretch along the river with facilities to sit, interact and enjoy the evening as well as early mornings of the city.

It also enjoys the status of being India’s first UNESCO World Heritage city accounting for its rich architectural heritage and culture.

• Current Scenario
• Demography – based on Census 2011

Although Ahmedabad city has a population of 5,577,940; its urban metropolitan population is 6,361,084 of which 3,350,582 are males and 3,010,502 are females. It is the 5th most populous city in India. In 2010, Ahmedabad was ranked third in Forbe’s list of fastest growing
cities of the decade.

Climate

The average temperature of the city ranges from 36degree Celsius to 43 degree Celsius Making the region more hot and dry. The climate&weather of Ahmedabad is usually hot and Moist. Summer season begins during March and Ends in June. Monsoons come like a pleasant surprise in July and are prevalent in the city till September. Winters are chilly, but at the same time very enjoyable. This season dominates the city during the period between November and February.

Civic Authorities

• Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation or the AMC, established in July 1950 under the Bombay Provincial Corporation Act, 1949, is responsible for the civic infrastructure and administration of the city of Ahmedabad. The Central Government declared this city as \’Mega city\’ in 2005. In 2006, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation included 17 other municipalities and 30 Gram Panchayats in its jurisdiction.

Roles and Functions of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) – Urban Greening Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has initiated several measures to increase the green cover to make the city green and beautiful. It has also taken extraordinary steps to improve the environment through greening the city by roadside plantation, improving the parks and gardens and development of urban forestry in various municipal plots in the city. AMC has also taken up massive plantation drives in open schemes through its Parks and Garden Department. To make the city more beautiful and livable Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has been making concerted efforts for the protection of the environment and greening the city by way of parks and gardens and tree plantation in which corporate houses are also built to participate. Environment education is imparted by arranging various trees plantation programs in which children are encouraged to attend.