Ahmedabad is witnessing a notable rise in heritage restoration projects as transferable development rights (TDR) are increasingly leveraged to preserve centuries-old structures in the Walled City. The initiative, aimed at encouraging repairs and safeguarding heritage properties, has seen 138 owners benefit so far, underlining the city’s commitment to conserving its historic urban fabric while providing practical support to residents.
The scheme has been particularly significant for families like that of a local fashion designer in Shela, whose Verai ni Pol ancestral home, dating back to 1804, partially collapsed after heavy rains earlier this year. With AMC support, emergency repairs are ongoing, highlighting how TDR facilitates both conservation and continuity of living heritage. “My family has deep connections to this home, spanning seven generations. TDR support has been crucial for initiating repairs,” said a resident involved in the restoration. The municipal authorities have prioritised quick processing through review committees, ensuring that applications meeting General Development Control Regulations (GDCR) are swiftly evaluated. Khadia leads with 47 TDR approvals, followed by Kalupur (42) and Dariapur (21). Residential buildings dominate the approvals (101), with commercial, mixed-use, religious, educational, and hospitality properties also represented. Heritage grades IIA, IIB, and III are included, reflecting a broad approach to urban preservation.
Industry experts note that the Walled City faces challenges such as declining occupancy, conversion of homes into warehouses, and demand for modern amenities like parking. “Financial mechanisms like TDR are critical in enabling residents without sufficient resources to maintain and restore historic properties, ensuring that heritage conservation aligns with sustainable urban living,” said a city-based conservation expert. While Ahmedabad was inscribed as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City in 2017, heritage rejuvenation remains complex. TDR schemes provide a tangible solution, linking urban planning policy with resident participation. Authorities emphasise that approvals are contingent upon completion of stipulated repairs, ensuring that the system promotes genuine restoration rather than speculative gains.
As heritage week celebrations highlight Ahmedabad’s rich architectural legacy, the TDR initiative represents a pragmatic balance between preservation and modern urban needs. By enabling resource-limited property owners to repair and retain their historic homes, the city demonstrates a sustainable, inclusive approach to heritage management, strengthening both cultural identity and civic infrastructure.
Ahmedabad Uses Transferable Development Rights To Restore 138 Historic Heritage Properties