Impact fee route used to clear illegal works in heritage homes, AMC probe reveals A civic tool designed to regulate minor deviations has been found to have been misused by officials of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), according to an internal probe. The investigation revealed that impact fees were collected to regularize unauthorized alterations in heritage homes in the city’s UNESCO-inscribed historic areas, bypassing mandatory conservation safeguards. At least five listed properties were reportedly regularized without prior approvals from the Heritage Department or the Heritage Conservation Committee, as required by heritage regulations. Certificates issued by the estate TDO department in the Central Zone effectively allowed unapproved additions and changes in land use, exposing what officials describe as a "systemic procedural breach." The probe, initiated six months ago and led by the deputy municipal commissioner of the Central Zone, is nearing completion and is expected to be submitted to the municipal commissioner soon. Officials familiar with the inquiry said the findings indicate repeated violations of heritage norms across multiple properties in the walled city. One notable case involves Ghanchi Ni Pol in Khadia, where a heritage residence approved for restoration was later converted for commercial use. Instead of facing penalties, officials collected an impact fee and regularized the structure without consulting heritage authorities. The case emerged from internal complaints, prompting the ongoing investigation.#central_zone #ahmedabad_municipal_corporation #heritage_department #ghanchi_ni_pol #transferable_development_rights
Son Of Former Bangladesh International Crosses 1,000-Run Mark With Maiden List A Century Jishan Alam, the son of former Bangladesh wicketkeeper Jahangir Alam, achieved a significant milestone in his cricketing career by scoring his maiden List A century on February 28. The 22-year-old opener, representing the Central Zone team in the Bangladesh Cricket League, smashed an impressive 127 runs off 93 deliveries during a crucial match against the North Zone. His innings helped his side complete a challenging chase in the final over, securing a narrow two-wicket victory. This win propelled Central Zone into the tournament final, which will be played against North Zone on March 3. The match began with North Zone batting first, but they faced early setbacks as their captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Litton Das were dismissed in the second over by Abu Hider. Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy steadied the innings, forming a 135-run partnership for the second wicket. However, Hasan fell eight runs short of a century. Hridoy later completed his own hundred and partnered Sabbir Rahman for a 102-run stand, with Rahman scoring a quickfire 73 off 51 balls. North Zone eventually posted 322-7 in 50 overs, with Hider claiming 4 wickets for 59 runs. In the reply, Jishan Alam took charge from the outset, forming a quick 47-run partnership with his opening partner before the wicket fell in the 5.3-over mark. Despite losing No.3 Saif Hassan in the 15th over, Mahfijul Islam provided crucial support, adding 94 runs for the third wicket with Jishan. The left-handed batsman reached his maiden List A century in the 30th over, leaving Central Zone at 188-3. However, Irfaan Shukkur was dismissed on the next ball, leaving the team needing 136 runs in 20 overs.#mirpur #jishan_alam #jahangir_alam #central_zone #north_zone
