Urban redevpt policy for over 25-yr-old bldgs implemented

Lucknow: The department of urban development and planning on Monday issued an order for the implementation of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Redevelopment Policy-2026, paving the way for redevelopment of buildings which are more than 25 years old to ensure safer buildings and better utilisation of space.The scheme, which already received clearance from the Cabinet, is aimed at strengthening existing "old and unsafe" infrastructure to allow for better planned and modern buildings. It will also open up new employment opportunities in construction, real estate and related sectors.
A govt spokesperson said that across the state, there are lakhs of old apartments and group housing societies which became structurally weak over time. "Living in such buildings became risky, while the land on which these were built was not utilised optimally. Through the new policy, govt aims to redevelop these old and underutilised premises to improve the urban landscape," the official said.The policy will apply to all public and private projects that are at least 25 years old or were found unsafe in a structural audit.In the case of housing societies or apartment owners' associations, the process for redevelopment will begin only with the consent of two-thirds of its members. Land parcels with an area of less than 1,500 sqm and single houses are not included in this policy. Nazul land, land allotted on lease and land under Improvement Trusts will also not be covered under this redevelopment policy.The policy outlined three stages of redevelopment. The first is direct execution by a govt agency, the second involves private developer participation under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, and the third allows redevelopment by the society or association itself.In the PPP model, a tripartite agreement will be signed between the govt agency, the developer and the society, which will define the responsibilities of each party.A Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be mandatory for each project. During redevelopment, residents who need to be temporarily relocated will be provided with either alternative housing or equivalent rent.A time of three years was identified for completion of all projects. In special circumstances, a maximum extension of two years can be granted."With the approval of the board, certain conditions may be relaxed on a case-to-case basis to ensure timely completion of projects. Additionally, permission was granted to combine two or more adjoining plots for redevelopment, allowing for better and more integrated development," the official said.