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
