Vadnagar: The ancient city of Vadnagar, renowned for its rich cultural and archaeological legacy, is on track to become Gujarat’s first-ever ‘Slum-Free’ city. Under the state government’s new urban development initiative, over 300 informal settlements across 15 identified locations will be cleared to make way for better public infrastructure.
Vadnagar, located in Mehsana district, holds historical and cultural importance as the birthplace of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The city is being revitalized not only to preserve its heritage but also to promote tourism on a global scale. As part of the initiative, 300 slum clusters, considered unauthorized encroachments, will be removed. The residents will be provided with permanent housing under a government housing scheme. The new homes will be constructed on 50 square meter plots and include amenities such as paved roads, a community hall, and open public spaces.
Government sources confirmed that work will commence after the monsoon season. A dedicated committee has already approved a housing list for the affected families, and discussions on site selection and infrastructure planning are underway. The cleared land, measuring approximately 45,722 square meters, will be repurposed for public utilities like gardens, playgrounds, and hawker zones, creating more livable and sustainable spaces across the city.
Areas Identified for Clearance
Key areas targeted for redevelopment include:
Somnath Temple Area: 4,717 sq.m
Devipujakvas (Somnath vicinity): 1,943 sq.m
Thakorvas near Royal School: 2,096 sq.m
Devipujakvas near Railway Station: 4,051 sq.m
Hatkeshwar Road (Thakorvas): 2,237 sq.m
Odvas near Nadiol Drain: 6,072 sq.m
Devipujakvas near Kirti Toran: 2,147 sq.m
Thakorvas near Sharmistha Lake: 7,264 sq.m
Amarthol Gate & Museum Area: 478 sq.m
Near Pithori Gate: 4,270 sq.m
Ghascol to Pithori Gate: 6,610 sq.m
Others: Including Lavariyavas, College Wall, and Baniyaparu areas
This effort is being undertaken with a focus on humanitarian values, ensuring that no family is left displaced without a viable alternative. The government is prioritizing a seamless transition to dignified, formal housing.
The slum clearance is part of a broader vision to elevate Vadnagar into a world-class heritage destination. Recently, the city inaugurated a state-of-the-art Archaeological Experimental Museum, built at a cost of ₹298 crore, spread across 12,500 sq.m with 326 pillars and a 21-meter high structure. It showcases more than 5,000 artifacts, offering insights into 2,500 years of continuous human habitation, including pottery, coins, tools, jewelry, food grains, DNA remains, and more.
With extensive redevelopment and strategic urban planning, the next two years are expected to transform Vadnagar’s landscape. Once completed, Vadnagar will not only become Gujarat’s first slum-free city but also stand as a model for heritage-driven urban transformation across India.
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