VMC takes back 46 plots it had given for afforestation

Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has decided to take back the 46 plots it had allotted to various organisations for afforestation purpose in the city. The decision was taken after a major row erupted when it came to light that the plots were being used for purposes other than plantations.
The plots were awarded by the civic body to various organizations including those led by politicians. It transpired that at most of these plots there was no afforestation in true sense. A few saplings were planted while the remaining portion of the plots was being put to some other use.
A series of controversies erupted as it came to light that politicians, including those in top positions, were linked to some organizations that had secured the plots but hardly took a step towards adding to the city’s greenery. When the ruling BJP found its members being targeted, it started looking into the affairs of plots allocated to Congress members.
However, Mayor Keyur Rokadia, on Thursday morning, announced that the VMC was taking back all the 46 plots that were allotted for afforestation. “A resolution was passed in 1991 to give plots under this arrangement. But in the wake of the controversy, we have decided to take back all the plots,” said Rokadia.
Rokadia said that the plots were allotted to different organizations only till 2019. “Some of these plots were also given to senior citizens and women organizations that did goo work. We thanked them for their contribution, but expressed our inability to continue with the arrangement,” he said.
Leader of the Congress party in VMC Ami Ravat said that the party had been demanding action on the issue. “Mere notices were issued and no action was taken. We demand that instead of merely taking away plots, action should be taken against those who violated conditions and all the structures developed on these plots should be razed,” she said.
Ravat added that the VMC should consider alternative arrangements for organizations that added to the city’s green cover by undertaking plantations at the plots. “These plots are meant for afforestation and should be put to no other use. Other spaces should be allocated to organizations doing good work,” she said.