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GANDHINAGAR: In a major step toward sustainable urban development, the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB) approved the final versions of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and hydrological flood management studies for the entire Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR). These assessments were essential prerequisites for initiating large-scale infrastructure execution under smart city norms.

The approved documents offer a comprehensive analysis of the region’s environmental sensitivity, flood vulnerability, and zoning feasibility across the full 920 sq km SIR. They outline critical insights into water flow patterns, coastal storm surges, monsoon impacts, and elevation profiles, which directly influence planning decisions for roads, residential zones, utilities, and industrial corridors.

Key outcomes from the studies include:

Identification of flood-prone zones and safe elevation levels for future construction

Recommendations for bund alignments and canal networks to mitigate stormwater accumulation

Creation of zoning buffers and ecological green zones for long-term environmental health

Guidelines for environmentally compatible infrastructure, in line with national and international standards

A strategic resilience framework to ensure the region can withstand extreme weather events and adapt to climate change challenges

These findings form the foundation for integrated planning across Dholera's Town Planning Schemes, influencing not just land use but also engineering designs for trunk infrastructure. Approval of these studies ensures that future development proceeds with a balance of urban growth and ecological preservation, aligning with the vision of a world-class, sustainable smart city.