Int’l body to study if BKC bldg heights can be raised

ALTERING FLIGHT PATH TO UP REVENUE Mumbai: To ensure full utilization of 4 FSI for its landbuyersin businesshubs atthe Bandra-Kurla Complex and Wadala and thus earn more revenue for the government, the MMRDA has requested the Canada-based International Civil Aviation Organisation to study the scope of raising the height of buildings beyond 89 metres and 110 metresin BKC and Wadala.      The request follows the initial restrictions imposed by the Union civil aviation ministry over the height of buildings after the MMRDA allowed 4FSI in these two business zones, with Wadala  being at planning stage. "We want to know if any changes in the navigational paths of flights atthe airportcan allow us to raise the height of buildings so as to utilize the full built-up area. At present, in the absenceof permission,we are bearing losses by selling the remaining built-up area to existing occupants in these zones," said MMRDA commissioner RahulAsthana.      ICAO's reply isexpectedin a few weeks. It had approved the selection of Navi Mumbai airport site after studying the scope of landing and take-off funnels. "Permission from ICAO is positively considered by the civil aviation ministry andiscrucial," saidAsthana.