According to Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) sources, changes have been made in the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act, 1976.

Sources said that earlier the schemes were delayed for years, which restricted development of the respective areas where the schemes were laid.

As per the amendment, 10 per cent of the total area of the scheme will be kept reserved for the economically and socially backward strata of the society, 15 per cent for roads, five per cent for parks and gardens and another five per cent to provide facilities on social grounds. Allocation will also be made for resident, commercial and industrial purposes. The amendment will enable only a stipulated area of land to be sold for these purposes.

Meanwhile, in a move to make the Urban Development Authorities more participatory, the State Government has nominated respective Mayors and Municipal Commissioners of the cities as permanent members on the Board for Urban Development Authorities. Earlier, they were invited as invitees.

Sources said a committee is also reported to have been formed to discuss ways and means to improve functioning of the urban development authorities.