Gandhinagar: Minister Rushikesh Patel, while responding to a query regarding approvals and development permissions for construction under the Hotel Policy in land classified as Agricultural Zone within the limits of Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) over the past two years in the Legislative Assembly, stated that in Kalol taluka of Gandhinagar district, Karnavati Club Limited in Mulsana was granted permission for 1,71,173 sq.m. on 21-01-2023, and in Vayana, Rajpath Club Limited in Moje received approval on 21-02-2023 for a project covering 1,31,353 sq.m. (after the deduction of 40% of the total land area).

Under the Regulation for Hotels – 2011, the government has granted in-principle approval, development permission, and B.U. permission to three hotels within the limits of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in the R1, R2, and CBD zones. Additionally, under the Hotel and Mixed Use Development Regulations – 2016, four hotels in the R3 zone of the Municipal Corporation have received in-principle and development permission, of which two have also obtained B.U. permission. Furthermore, three hotels within AUDA’s jurisdiction have received all necessary approvals.

Notably, considering the increasing investment by domestic and foreign investors in Gujarat’s industrial development through Vibrant Gujarat, the rise in agricultural production, the availability of world-class healthcare services, and the rapid growth of travel and tourism activities, the Regulation for Hotels – 2011 was implemented on 25-04-2011 under the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act, 1976. This regulation aims to encourage investments in modern hotels while ensuring efficient land use, public safety, and adequate parking facilities.

Subsequently, the Hotel and Mixed Use Development Regulations – 2016 came into force on 01-02-2016 to facilitate mixed-use developments alongside hotels. This allows tourists and participants in international events held in Gujarat to access integrated facilities such as recreation centers, resorts, service apartments, shopping malls, multiplexes, convention centers, and commercial spaces, thereby promoting tourism activities.

As per these regulations, for FSI (Floor Space Index) exceeding 0.1 base FSI in agricultural zones, 40% of the paid FSI must be allocated, with the corresponding charges paid to the authority. This policy does not generate direct revenue for the government.

However, AUDA generates revenue through paid FSI charges, under which it has earned ₹6,38,26,082 in fees and charges over the past two years. DeshGujarat