Corporators urge change in DC regulations

Senior Corporator R R Singh of the Congress forwarded a notice of motion to the Municipal Commissioner, demanding that 33 per cent of the excess mill land, which is handed over to the BMC under regulation 58(b) of the Development Control regulations. He expressed the view that this land should be developed for public purposes at the cost of the mill owner. Singh said that the BMC should ensure that the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) rules regarding space utilisation are not violated by the mill owners. He said that changes in Development Control regulations should enable the development of the mill lands through private organisations.

The commissioner stated that the Board of Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) covers all aspects of the redevelopment of sick mills. It also gives due weightage to workers and keeps their interests in mind, he opined.

When the existing or the newly built-up area of the mills is allowed to be developed, the BmC gains 33 per cent of that area to be earmarked for recreational purposes or as any other open public space. The gains from such redevelopment is utilised for clearing off the arrears, repayment of loans, and modernisation of the mills. Gokhale felt that the state government should not be requested to make any changes in the Development Control regulations at this juncture.

Regarding the development of land at the cost of the mill owners, Gokhale said that it was not included in the Development Control regulations.He agreed that the development and further maintenance could be given to interested voluntary organisations if they come forward.