Draft:Shela

The locality Shela falls in Ahmadabad district situated in Gujarat state, with a population 3979. The male and female populations are 2070 and 1909 respectively. The size of the area is about 5.01 square kilometer.{{Cite web |title=Shela {{!}} Locality {{!}} GeoIQ |url=https://geoiq.io/places/Shela/AL4j3OS5M0 |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=geoiq.io}} The population of Children aged 0-6 years in Shela village is 209 which is 14% of the total population. There are 114 male children and 95 female children between the age 0-6 years.{{Cite web |title=Shela Village Population - Dhandhuka, Ahmadabad, Gujarat |url=https://www.censusindia2011.com/gujarat/ahmadabad/dhandhuka/shela-population.html |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=Censusindia2011.com |language=en-US}} Thus as per the Census 2011 the Child Sex Ratio of Shela is 833 which is less than Average Sex Ratio (891) of Shela{{Cite book |last=2011 CENSUS |first=TALUKAWISE |title=TALUKAWISE POPULATION AS PER 2011 CENSUS |date=2011 |publisher=2011 CENSUS |location=India}}{{Cite web |title=Shela (Og) Village (Pincode: 380058), Sanand, Ahmadabad {{!}} Gujarat {{!}} – Population, Area, Nearby Villages, Assembly & Parliament Constituency |url=https://villageinfo.org/village/511619 |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=villageinfo.org}}

Shela has a rich history that dates back to the 15th century. The neighborhood was once a part of the Solanki dynasty and was known for its strategic location on the trade route between Gujarat and Rajasthan. {{Cite web |url=https://www.agoda.com/en-in/shela/maps/ahmedabad-in.html?cid=1844104&ds=LhPxbpaGeWi70Nus |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=www.agoda.com}}

Historically, Shela and the adjacent locality of Ghuma were separate settlements. However, with the expanding urban frontier of Ahmedabad, the two localities were merged in 2015 and were granted municipality status. This administrative integration was part of a broader process to improve urban governance and service delivery in and around Ahmedabad. The merger aimed to streamline municipal functions, facilitate better urban planning, and accelerate infrastructure development.

For instance, news reports from real estate and local governance sources have noted that such mergers play an important role in expanding the jurisdiction of urban authorities and enhancing civic amenities in rapidly growing areas. Additionally, the change in status has altered local electoral boundaries, with Shela now falling under the Ghatlodiya election area for municipal and civic elections.

The total geographical area of village is 593.99 hectares.{{Cite web |title=Shela, Dholera, Ahmadabad, Gujarat, India - Geolysis Local |url=https://geolysis.com/p/in/gj/ahmadabad/dholera/shela |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=geolysis.com}} Shela is situated in the northwestern part of Ahmedabad City. Its proximity to major arterial roads ensures good connectivity to other parts of the city. Shela has 13 lakes, the highest for western Ahmedabad.{{Cite news |date=2024-07-12 |title=Shela residents wait for 26 gardens that Auda promised 8 years ago |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/111672886.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst |access-date=2025-05-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} The area has experienced significant real estate development over the past decade, with a mix of residential complexes, commercial hubs, and modern infrastructure projects.{{Cite news |date=2024-07-12 |title=Shela residents wait for 26 gardens that Auda promised 8 years ago |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/shela-residents-wait-for-26-gardens-promised-by-auda-8-years-ago/articleshow/111672886.cms |access-date=2025-05-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} Urban planners have noted the potential of this locality to contribute to Ahmedabad’s overall urban expansion while also posing challenges related to infrastructure upkeep and traffic management.{{Cite web |title=AUDA {{!}} Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority |url=https://www.auda.org.in/ |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=www.auda.org.in}}

Following the 2015 merger, Shela is administered as a municipality along with Ghuma. The municipal body is responsible for civic services such as water supply, sanitation, road maintenance, and urban planning within the merged area. This change was made to bring local governance closer to the residents and ensure better responsiveness to urban issues. Government press releases and local planning documents indicate that incorporation into the municipal framework has led to planned investments in local infrastructure and public amenities.

For electoral purposes, Shela is part of the Ghatlodiya election area. This categorization determines its representation in municipal and local government bodies. As a result of the merger and subsequent adjustments in electoral boundaries, voters in Shela now participate in elections alongside residents of other urban localities under the jurisdiction of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation or its successor administrative bodies.

With its elevated municipality status, Shela has attracted increased attention from both public and private sectors. Recent developments include:

• Residential Projects: Multiple housing complexes and apartment projects have emerged, contributing to population growth.
• Commercial Developments: Retail outlets, local markets, and mixed-use developments are part of the ongoing urbanization.
• Connectivity: Improvements in road infrastructure and public transport have been highlighted as key focuses of the municipal administration to better integrate Shela with the broader urban network of Ahmedabad.
• Urban Services: Upgrades in civic amenities such as waste management, water supply, and public health facilities have been initiated as part of the new municipal framework.

These initiatives are generally reported by local news portals and real estate analysis websites, which underscore the significance of the merger for both governance and urban development.

{{reflist}}