Despite the policy hurdles, cluster development appears to be the only the ray of hope for dilapidated buildings, and for providing adequate amenities and services to residents.
Despite the policy hurdles, cluster development appears to be the only the ray of hope for dilapidated buildings, and for providing adequate amenities and services to residents.
According to development control rule 33 (9) that governs the cluster development policy, tenants will get more open space, recreation facilities, rainwater harvesting and adequate parking inside and outside the redeveloped premises. “A better water system will be developed and sewage treatment plants can be set up within the premises since cluster development provides adequate space to create these facilities,” said Sunil Mantri, former president of Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (MCHI).
“People will live clean and healthy lives once cluster development is taken up. There will be no traffic congestion because vehicles, which were earlier parked on roads, will be accommodated inside the developed area. In cluster development, multi-level parking can be provided and development will take place in an organised manner,” Mantri added.
Moreover, as per the 33 (9) policy, the developer can set up a BEST sub-station within the premises to ensure adequate distribution of free and efficient power supply. Even the smallest and nonviable project can be amalgamated with the main one, such that the overall exercise is still profitable.
In 33 (9), city roads can be widened adequately by taking road setback. In the policy governing standalone developments — DCR 33 (7) — while some of the developers hand over the set back area, some may not develop the project even for the next 20 years and thus retain the stretch of land. As a result, the road gets developed in a zig-zag manner, the stretch in front of Bharatmata Cinema being an example.
Congestion levels associated with 337 (7) projects are also very high. “In such projects, buildings are developed in such a manner that two can easily kiss other. As is the case in Prathna Samaj, Girgaon, the new buildings are so close to each other that residents of opposing buildings can shake hands every morning. Such density of construction disturbs the ecological balance, leading to a rise in heat and concrete jungles,” said a city developer requesting anonymity.
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