Kumar’s legacy: Stringent development control rules

MUMBAI: Fifteen months after serving in the BMC, Subodh Kumar, considered one of the most “disciplined” municipal commissioners, retired on Monday. Kumar, who was set to retire in January, received a three-month extension due to the February civic polls.
Kumar is credited with putting in place stringent development control rules (DCR), tightening the controversial open space and market policies , experimenting with 24/7 water supply pilot projects and finalizing the coastal road project.He took over as civic chief when the corporation was grappling with a financial crisis. The annual budget presented a month ago saw a 26% rise in overall outlay, aimed at long-term infrastructure projects. “Instead of looking at issues in a piecemeal manner, it is important for a municipal commissioner to change the system,” said Kumar.
Last week, the chief minister’s office forwarded his Rs 8,000-crore , 35.6-km coastal road proposal to the Union ministry of environment and forests. Around 42 hectares are estimated to be reclaimed for the project. At a time when most politicians double up as builders and contractors, Kumar’s appointment changed things around. His early days as commissioner earned him the reputation of being a disciplinarian when he asked at least two corporators to take an appointment to meet him when they tried barging into his cabin.
Officials said the one thing he would be remembered by was implementation of the DCR, which seeks to curb large-scale misuse of building concessions by developers. The amended rule allows developers 35% extra area to build residential buildings and 20% additional area for commercial projects in lieu of a hefty premium to the municipal body.
Moreover, earlier this year, Kumar issued a circular warning the BMC’s building proposals staff that “any lapse in approving building plans within 60 days will be viewed seriously” . He also highlighted the importance of online interface where all permissions granted by the BMC were put up online.
Setting the agenda for the new civic chief, Kumar said the biggest problems of the city are housing, traffic congestion and water supply. He said the ground was set for the new property tax to come into place.