Ironically, 2,100ha of eco-sensitive zone will meanwhile be used for development
The revised draft development plan (DP) — prepared by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) keeping the next 20 years in mind — includes plans for the creation of a 300-acre green zone, or Central Park, by reclaiming a part of the land in Cuffe Parade. Ironically, meanwhile, 2,100ha of the existing eco-sensitive No Development Zone and 210ha of Salt Pan Land will be exploited for development. However, only 750ha of this will be used to create affordable housing for 1 million people.
In the new draft Development Plan 2014-34, the BMC has proposed to create 1 million affordable housing stocks by 2034 and the BMC plans to dole out an FSI of 4 for the scheme. Sixty-two per cent of the city's population is eligible for free housing, but this population will not be counted under the scheme as these housing stocks will cater to those sections of the middle class that cannot afford high-end homes.
The BMC has now corrected and cleared the revised DP, which has laid additional stress on creating affordable housing and commercial spaces. Ramnath Jha, an officer on special duty, was appointed by the state government for making corrections in the revised draft DP under the supervision of municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta.
Out of the 12 total chapters in it, the final three chapters of the revised draft DP — which include affordable housing, FSI and additional FSI in the city — will be uploaded soon. The draft DP will then be opened for suggestions and objections from citizens.
The BMC proposes one standard for the entire city since the FSI will be uniform. Earlier, the island city had an FSI of 1.33, while the suburbs had an FSI of 1. Now, a uniform FSI of 2 will be allowed. "The thrust is on affordable housing and the creation of more commercial and parking spaces in the city, considering Mumbai is the financial capital of the country," said municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta.
Mehta added that there is a lack of affordable homes, which forces people to move out of the city. Plus, those coming to Mumbai for employment find it difficult to buy affordable homes. "Most of the new houses constructed are in the 2BHK to 5 BHK range — there are hardly any new 1BHK homes in the affordable range. We have to cater to the masses and ensure that the development plan does justice to a majority of the population in the years to come," he said.
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