BMC seeks FSI of 4 for redevelopment of its staff quarters

Mumbai: The BMC will write to the state government asking for a floor space index (FSI) of 4 for the redevelopment of its dilapidated conservancy staff quarters. 

    There are over 100 civic staff quarters that house more than 6,500 people. Almost all the structures have outlived their life span and need to be reconstructed. 
    The BMC plans to redevelop 39 such dilapidated buildings in the first phase of the 'Ashray Yojana' project. Of the 39, the civic body has approved six building plans, tenders for which will be called soon. The six buildings are located in the island city. 
    Civic officials say that once the buildings are redeveloped, the employees will get an area of 300 sq ft. Currently they are living in a 100-sq ft house. 
    "We will go ahead with the construction keeping in mind an FSI of 4, but will only build what is permissible according to the current rule. Once the government gives a go-ahead, we will consume the balance FSI," said additional municipal commissioner, Mohan Adtani. 
    The civic body has been facing a tough time vacating these dilapidated buildings as the occupants refuse to move out. 
    Another problem is that the civic body doesn't have enough transit camps to accommodate these residents. Officials say they will first construct transit camps near these six buildings before embarking on the redevelopment work. 
    Once the new buildings are ready, they can be used to accommodate people from other buildings, which will be redeveloped subsequently. The BMC has over 18,000 conservancy staff, of which only 6,600 live in quarters. The redevelopment will create more homes so that the remaining staff can be accommodated. Initially, the BMC planned to develop these buildings through public-private partnership, but it didn't materialize. Now it will execute the plan on its own.