To salvage heritage,panel seeks DCR modifications

In case the owner of a heritage property is in need of additional funds to repair or restore a structure or site,grants will be disbursed from the fund by the Commissioner on the advice of the MHCC. Panel members said the existing rules do have a provision for a repair fund,but it was always insufficient as it was generated through budgetary provisions rather than contributory efforts.

The rules also introduce the concept of punitive action against those who damage heritage properties. “In case of purposeful neglect,penalty will be charged and action will be taken against the owner. He shall be punishable under existing provisions for unauthorised development,” said MHCC chairman Dinesh Afzalpurkar. Moreover,if the heritage structure or building in a heritage precinct is willfully damaged,permission will not be granted to construct a new one.

If at all such a nod is granted,it will be on the recommendations of the heritage panel,provided the new construction has architectural style,materials and the exact total built-up area of the earlier structure.

Owners of heritage properties will be exempted from paying property tax to the extent of 50 per cent provided that structure is maintained properly and certified by the MHCC. They will also continue to receive transfer of development rights (TDR) or floating FSI that can be traded in the market to “counter loss of opportunity” owing to the restrictions on reconstruction.

This TDR has now been made more lucrative as it can be used anywhere in the island city as against earlier rules that allowed its use only in the same ward where it is generated or in the suburbs. Afzalpurkar said once approved by the BMC Commissioner,the proposed rules will be forwarded to the state government for sanction.