1.13        IMPERATIVES FOR THE
                DEVELOPMENT OF AUROVILLE

1.13.1       One of the principal requirements for the growth of Auroville is the provision of housing. Because of lack of adequate housing it has not been possible to encourage new residents to settle. The provision of adequate housing is tied up with funds for development. Another important factor is that there are still significant patches of land within the city area, which are not secured by Auroville and are essentially needed to plan and implement cost-effective infrastructure facilities, such as roads, sewerage, water supply, power and communication.

1.13.2       The Green Belt surrounding the City Area, covering about 1,440 ha., is an integral part of Auroville's development and its proper use is crucial to fully achieve the objectives of Auroville. Many of the material researches that are necessary to promote sustainable development both within the designated area and outside necessarily have to be carried out in the Green Belt, which should be secured against speculative urban development. The Green Belt has to be maintained predominantly as an area of agricultural and forest type of uses, so that it is not only integrated with the existing village settlements, but also with environmental activities that promote water harvesting, aquifer recharge, bio-diversity conservation and recreation.

1.13.3         It is therefore imperative that the Green Belt should be secured against all types of development not in line with the goals of Auroville's development. Auroville can therefore only be realised to its full potential through intense resource mobilisation and the proper implementation of the Master Plan (Perspective: 2025).