More FSI for redevpt in CRZ areas
Mumbai: Slums and cessed buildings in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) will get the same benefit of floor space index (FSI) as structures outside the CRZ. FSI is the ratio of the total built up area to the plot size.
While formally relaxing the restrictions in CRZ areas, the union ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) also defined the FSI that would be allowed in these areas. When the proposal was cleared two months ago, the Centre had not made its
stance clear on the FSI issue.
stance clear on the FSI issue.
Owing to CRZ restrictions, the FSI was limited to 1 for all dwelling units in this area. However, now slums being redeveloped under the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme will be entitled to an FSI of 2.5, while cessed buildings will get 2.5 FSI or 50% incentive FSI, whichever is higher.
In the Marine Lines and Kalbadevi areas, where developers are keen to implement cluster redevelopment scheme, the FSI allowed is 4. Our cluster redevelopment scheme is for 233 acres, of which 82 acres falls under CRZ. Now we can think of buying properties in these areas as well for the scheme, said Mayank Gandhi, spokesperson, Remaking of Mumbai Federation.
However, the state government will now have to think of ways to fund the redevelopment of these schemes. The MoEF has set a pre-condition that all development in CRZ areas must be through a joint venture between the state and a private party, with the government stake being 51%.
Minister of state for housing, Sachin Ahir, said the state government will be taking cognizance of MoEFs note on relaxing some of the CRZ norms for development in the coastal areas in Mumbai. The MoEF announcement on its website is in a draft form and not final, he said while announcing his ministrys plans to study the area in detail before going in for affordable housing.
We have to find out how many cessed buildings, dilapidated buildings and slums come under the purview of new norms before we make any detailed plans, Ahir said.
From our initial findings, we know that there are around 4,000 dilapidated buildings and 200 slums in the coastal areas, but a thorough study must be done before we can initiate any action, he added.
The minister reiterated the governments earlier announcement that they will allow only those redevelopment projects where Mhada has a 51% stake.
Civic sources said that almost 38% of the city falls under the CRZ, which covers localities from Colaba, Girgaum, Mahim all the way up to Gorai.