Ahmedabad: From India's 1st heritage city to emerging smart city

Before coming to Ahmedabad and serving as the Municipal Commissioner, whenever I come across the word Ahmedabad – I was reminded of Sabarmati Ashram along Sabarmati river where father of nation Mahatma Gandhi started the journey of India's freedom movement. It also reminded me of a city as textile hub which was known as Manchester of East. It came as city which has mix of modern developments and rich heritage. The Sidi Saiyyed ni Jali used to give a perfect picture of Ahmedabad as a historic city.

The city has powerful culture of entrepreneurship and business acumen and therefore has emerged as the growth engine of Gujarat. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's (AMC) limit has grown more than twice in last ten years, in terms of area expansion. It has brought enormous pressure on municipal administration to provide core infrastructure to the newly merged areas and to keep pace with the developing world.

After the historic city of Ahmedabad inscribed as 'World Heritage City' by UNESCO in July last year, a strong nexus has been visible with the walled city of new city. Since the tag the city has witnessed more footfall. It has not only attracted the VVIPs and foreign tourist, but has connected new city people to its rich cultural and monumental heritage. Special tours on heritage are being organised for children, which was not a popular trend earlier. Private sector interest in participating in heritage conservation and management is forthcoming.

The most charming factor about city is it's increasing cosmopolitan culture. People across the country come here for business, work, job and employment opportunities and have settled here forever. It is a vibrant place which provides quality life, quality education, quality medical facility etc. City is well connected to major cities in India and across globe which adds to its advantage.

For me flower park at Riverfront is the best place to spend time. While walking in the garden it gives aroma with a beautiful ambiance of both old city and new city in a peaceful environment. I can see famous heritage monuments like Ellisbridge and Manek Burj while on the other side some sky-scrappers, which is a true blend of old and new Ahmedabad. I get different kind of vibration when I go there, I can see the emerging skyline and beautiful future of the city.

City is active and Amdavadis are energetic and restless! People are always in hurry, which quite often leads to traffic chaos. I expect people not to be impatient on roads and jump queue while driving and always give right of way to pedestrians, women and children first.