BAUDA put under D-2 category enrages farmers in Bharuch

Bharuch: Farmers in Bharuch district are up in arms against the state government for refusing to make any changes in the Comprehensive General Development Control Regulations (CGDCR) declared under Bharuch Ankleshwar Urban Development Authority (BAUDA).
Miffed tillers decry the provisions claiming that about 40% of the land owned by them will be reserved under BAUDA without paying any compensation after Bharuch, Ankleshwar and about 44 villages were put under the D-2 category.
President, Bharuch Zilla Khedut Samaj, Mahendra Karamariya told TOI, “It is an injustice to farmers of all these villages that have come under BAUDA. The urban development department’s decision as a special case is surprising and needs thorough investigation.”
Karmarariya further said that stalemate continues despite several representations since December 2020. “It seems the decision is in favour of builder lobby. We have decided to oppose the decision through agitation,” he added.
Jivraj Patel, president, Bharuch Citizen Council said, “ D2 category means big blockage in development. There will be no buyers of agricultural land from farmers for residential complexes as 40 percent land will be taken by BAUDA, 15 percent to be kept reserved for road and other utilities, five percent for green belt and common plot. So, how much land will be left for the farmers to utilize for residential projects?”
The Bharuch-Ankleshwar Urban Development Authority had collected Rs150 crore for approval of various plans which is yet to be utilised, Patel alleged.
Talkint to TOI, Dushyant Patel, MLA Bharuch said, I have represented before the chief minister urging him to change the status from D2 to D4 for overall development of the entire district. It is unfortunate that the government has taken such a tough stand. Bharuch and Ankleshwar needs horizontal development as enough space is available. I will again raise the issue before the CM.”