Decision on Crown Roads Development Pause

Overview

In January 2022, the Residents' Assembly of Auroville voted on a proposal to temporarily pause all clearing, infrastructure laying, and permanent construction work on the Right of Ways of Crown, Radials, and Outer Ring. This vote was conducted through the standard Residents' Assembly Decision-making (RAD) process.

Participation and Results

• Total participants: 899 registered residents

• Quorum requirement: 10% of eligible residents (243 votes required)

• Total eligible voters: 2,427 confirmed Aurovilians (as of January 2022)

• Outcome: The proposal was approved with 89% (803 votes) in favour and 11% (96 votes) against

The Decision

The approved decision was: "To pause all clearing, infrastructure laying and permanent construction work on the Right of Ways of Crown, Radials and Outer Ring in order to enable the community to define a way forward for Auroville's development, following:

• collective processes,

• the 'Master Plan: Perspective 2025' framework,

• and other relevant regulations. The outcome shall be approved through a ratified Residents' Assembly Decision-making process, before the above specified clearing, infrastructure laying and permanent construction work resumes."

What Does This Decision Mean?

This decision seeks to establish a temporary moratorium on development activities affecting the major road networks in Auroville's master plan. The pause affects three key transportation elements: the Crown (circular road), Radials (roads extending from center to periphery), and Outer Ring Road.

The decision has several important implications for our community:

• All clearing of land, infrastructure work, and permanent construction in these areas must immediately stop

• The community now has time to collectively determine how to proceed with development

• Any future development must follow collective processes and align with existing planning frameworks

• Work on these areas cannot resume until another RAD approves a new way forward