Construction Sector Profile: Ahmedabad’s Resource Flows

The construction sector is a crucial driver of economic growth and urban development in rapidly urbanizing regions. This city report presents the findings of a research-based study on Material Flow Analysis (MFA) of the construction sector in Ahmedabad, with a particular focus on the housing sector. The study is part of the European Union’s Resource Efficiency Initiative (EU-REI) for India, aiming to support India in implementing the United Nations Global Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) agenda. By adapting international standards and best practices on resource efficiency, this initiative seeks to foster the sustainable use of resources in the construction sector, which is a significant contributor to the city’s economic and environmental landscape.

Ahmedabad, the largest city in the state of Gujarat, India, is the seventh largest metropolis in the country and one of the fastest-growing cities in a rapidly urbanizing state. According to the 2011 Census, Gujarat is 42.6% urbanized, compared to the all-India urbanization average of 31.2%. Between 2012 and 2018, Gujarat was the second fastest-growing state in India, with a 10% Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth rate and a 10.12% growth in per capita Net State Domestic Product. This rapid growth is reflected in various aspects of Ahmedabad’s development, including population growth, employment opportunities, and the expansion of housing and infrastructure.

For more detailed information on Ahmedabad’s urbanization trends, you can refer to the Census of India reports available at Census of India.

Ahmedabad’s economic growth has been underpinned by industry since the mid-19th century. The city experienced a boom in textile mills from 1950 to 1980, followed by the flourishing of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries after the liberalization of the economy in the early 1990s. In the last two decades, the tertiary ‘services sector has dominated the city’s economy, encompassing business and commerce, transport, communication, construction, and information technology. Notably, 66% of the total workforce in Ahmedabad is employed in the services sector, with the construction sector playing a significant role in this growth.

To understand the economic transition of Ahmedabad, you can explore the economic reports and analyses available at the Reserve Bank of India.

The Ahmedabad Urban Agglomeration (AUA) includes 4 towns and 103 villages, in addition to the municipal area, resulting in a complex structure of governance with multiple local governments. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is the primary local government body responsible for infrastructure planning, design, and implementation of services across its 6 administrative zones: Central, North, South, East, West, and New West, covering an area of 466 square kilometers. The spatial and land-use planning for the entire AUA, which spans 1866 square kilometers, is managed by the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA). Established under the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development (GTPUD) Act of 1976, AUDA plays a pivotal role in shaping the urban landscape of Ahmedabad.

For more information on the governance structure and urban planning initiatives in Ahmedabad, you can visit the official websites of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority.

Material Flow Analysis (MFA) is a systematic assessment of the flows and stocks of materials within a defined system. In the context of the construction sector, MFA helps in understanding the inputs, outputs, and transformations of materials used in construction activities. This analysis is essential for identifying inefficiencies, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable practices in the construction sector.

The study conducted as part of the EU-REI for India focuses on the housing sector within Ahmedabad’s construction industry. By examining the material flows, the study aims to provide insights into the current practices and identify opportunities for improving resource efficiency and sustainability. The findings of this study will contribute to the broader goal of aligning Ahmedabad’s construction sector with international standards and best practices.

For a deeper understanding of Material Flow Analysis and its applications in the construction sector, you can refer to the resources available at the European Union’s Resource Efficiency Initiative.

The construction sector in Ahmedabad is a vital component of the city’s economic growth and urban development. Through the Material Flow Analysis conducted as part of the EU-REI for India, this study aims to support sustainable practices and resource efficiency in the housing sector. By examining the material flows and identifying areas for improvement, the study contributes to the broader goal of aligning Ahmedabad’s construction sector with international standards and best practices. As Ahmedabad continues to grow and develop, the insights gained from this study will be instrumental in fostering a sustainable and efficient construction industry.

For further reading on sustainable construction practices and resource efficiency, you can explore the publications and resources available at the United Nations Environment Programme.