New DC rules not for redevpt chawls: BMC

Populist Measure Will Help Lakhs

Mumbai: In a populist measure that could benefit lakhs living in cessed, non-cessed old buildings, Mhada layouts, chawls and slums undergoing redevelopment, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday agreed to not apply the new development control (DC) rules to these structures. 

    It means a waiver of premium for buildings meant for rehabilitation of tenants residing in structures which are being or will be redeveloped under sections 33(7), 33(5), 33 (9), 33 (10) and 33 (6) of the DC rules. The compensatory floor space index (FSI) for the saleable component of these structures will, however, be governed by the new rules. 
    Municipal commissioner Subodh Kumar said, "Considering the general concern, we are alright if premium is not charged on the rehab component of these properties." 
    The new DC rules—to allow developers to build 25% over the permissible FSI in return for a 100% premium to be paid to the BMC—were passed unanimously by the civic body on Wednesday, the last day for filing objections and suggestions on the DC rulesnotified by the state government. Twentyfive suggestions and objections were packed in a day when many elected representatives allayed fears that the redevelopment of old structures, mostly those with smaller plot sizes, could be hampered if the premium is not condoned for them. Smaller plot-sized buildings would then become unviable for redevelopment. 
    "Of the 14,883 cessed buildings, 52.6% have a plot size of less than 300 square metres, and if this policy is applied to them, it will be impossible to undertake redevelopment," said Bharatiya Janata Party corporator Ashish Shelar. 
    Citing blatant misuse of concessionary FSI benefits by builders, the BMC had last month brought areas such as lifts, flower beds, pocket terraces, ducts, upper-level car parking and voids under chargeable FSI and allowing 25% additional construction for residential buildings and 15% for commercial buildings. But concerns were raised over redevelopment of old buildings and structures on smaller plots. 
    The new rules insists on leaving aside open space of 6m to 9m in the redevelopment of old buildings, as opposed to the earlier limit of 1.5m. This, some had said, will make narrow plots unviable for redevelopment. Kumar, while giving his seal of approval, said a notification would soon take care of that. He said relaxing norms would not cut into a revenue of Rs 3,000 cr the civic body hopes to earn once the changes are implemented.

Those living in cessed, non-cessed old buildings, Mhada layouts, chawls and slums undergoing redevelopment will benefit