Leading the city to 2020

Devang Nanavati, Lead India winner from Ahmedabad, is 36. A keen follower of the city’s growth story, Devang looks beyond the horizon to tell us what Ahmedabad needs to do to be a world class city the day he turns 50.

India’s growth story is galloping across its non-metro cities, from Pune to Hyderabad and Chandigarh to apnu Ahmedabad. What do I visualise Amedabad as in 2020, as I approach 50? I want Ahmedabad to be a world class city, not just another metro.

For this, the road ahead isn’t easy. Of course, there are impediments. But, they can be overcome. First, we need visionary leadership, not just political, but in every field. Second, we have to ensure that infrastructure and quality of life improve. Good planning and implementation must happen quickly, efficiently, cutting across political lines.

The list of problems and their solutions is endless. What is required is a solution to two interconnected problems. These are lack of visionary leadership and instilling character in each citizen of Ahmedabad. We Amdavadis, who have the entrepreneurial skills, can do wonders if we have the right vision. We need to get rid of archaic thinking, adapt to the needs of the future and certainly the present and make our vision a transient vision which would ensure that out future generations would thank us for.

Ahmedabad’s tryst with destiny has long been in waiting; we should now ensure its redemption in full and complete measure.

DEVANG’S FORMULA THE PROBLEMS Infrastructure – good roads, flyovers, proper inter-linking of major locations Lack of civic awareness Tourism infrastructure THE SOLUTIONS Visionary leadership in every field Hardsell of heritage and tourism Prohibition policy needs a relook Creation of planned business district