Private township plan allows unlimited FSI

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government’s draft proposal for privately developed and planned townships allows unlimited floor space index (FSI) for individual plots.
FSI is the ratio that determines the height of buildings in relation to the area of the plot. However, the proposal—which will be modified after suggestions are received—limits the FSI for the entire township to 2.
If implemented, the scheme will be a bonanza for builders.Noted developer Niranjan Hiranandani welcomed the move and said Gurgaon near Delhi is an example of a township built along these lines.
The draft policy provides for the reservation of large open and green spaces, government sources said. Fifteen per cent of the entire plot must be reserved as recreational space and ten per cent for common facilities for plot holders.
At least 500 trees must be planted per hectare. These must largely be fruit bearing and suitable to the local climate. The trees must be planted in consultation with the nearest forest officer or as laid down by the divisional deputy director of town planning.
Another stipulation will be that historical monuments, places of scenic beauty and heritage sites must be accessible to the general public, not only to members of the township.
Any government land falling under the notified area could be sold to the developer at prevailing market rate.
The current rule that only farmers can buy agricultural land will be waived in these areas.
There will be no limit on the amount of agricultural land a developer can buy. In addition, developers won’t need to seek permission to use farm land for non-agricultural use.
The developer will have to submit an environmental impact assessment report to the government. The provisions of the Environment Protection Act of 1986 will apply to the development.
The proposed township must cover at least 100 hectares. The developer will have to provide all the infrastructure, including roads, storm-water drains, water lines, drainage lines, electrical lines and effluent treatment.
Existing gaothan land and land under village settlements will not be covered by the regulations. The government claims that the new township will not be only for the rich. At least 30 per cent of the plots will be of 300 sq metres to provide housing for people from the lower income groups.
A privately developed township is already coming up on a 400-acres plot on the outskirts of Pune. Magarpatta city, as it is named, has reserved 120 acres for gardens. The developers claim it will be pollution-free.