Properties along Metro,BRT could get more area to build on

Excess construction in hundreds of urban villages,rural areas and special areas like Chandni Chowk were protected from demolition nearly four years ago by an amnesty law called the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act.

The Urban Development ministry that drafted the law is currently finalising some of the legislation’s regulations and had asked the Delhi government’s opinion. “It will also help in redevelopment keeping in view the special character of these localities and overcome unplanned growth already rampant in these colonies,” said Walia.

The recommendations approved by the the Delhi Cabinet on Monday also propose that the current FAR of 350 per cent for all properties in areas covered by the special law be increased to 400 per cent. “Now,plots bigger than 175 sq m qualify for this increase in the floor-area-ratio. We have recommended that this ceiling be raised to 250 sq m,” said Walia.

The government also recommended that plot owners be allowed to divide their land into smaller plots,something the existing laws don’t permit,but which is quite common on the ground. “It will provide relief to plot-holders in special areas,regularised colonies given provisional certificates and urban villages. Families have expanded and the number of family units has also increased,” said Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

But no more units
The sub-division of plots,according to Urban Development Minister A K Walia,will be allowed without any increase in the number of dwelling units as per the provisions of the Masterplan of Delhi-2021. “This will put an end to the ongoing unplanned construction in colonies as holders of sub-divided plots will be entitled to get their plans approved by local bodies,” said the minister.