Gujarat government announces new Bechar-Bahucharaji municipality

The Government of Gujarat has officially granted municipality status to Becharaji, also known as Bahucharaji, the pilgrimage town in Mehsana district of north Gujarat.

As per the notification, “By exercising the powers conferred under sub-section (2) of Section 5 of the Gujarat Municipalities Act, 1963 (Gujarat Act No. 34 of 1964), the Government of Gujarat hereby constitutes the ‘Bechar–Bahucharaji Municipality’ with effect from 17 September 2025, comprising the said smaller urban area.”

According to this notification, the Government land situated within the local area of Bechar-Becharaji Municipality shall not vest in the Bechar-Becharaji Municipality.

Earlier, in October 2023, considering the religious and economic development of the Bechar–Bahucharaji region, a special Becharaji Area Development Authority had already been constituted by the state government under the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department for planned urban growth.

The state government has reiterated its commitment to well-planned development, which also includes initiatives like the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana (SJMMSVY).