Thane cluster projects may see rise in FSI based on no of families

The building collapse in Mumbra on Friday has once again brought the risks of staying in old and dilapidated buildings into focus. The state government, which is looking at the cluster redevelopment model for such structures, is planning to grant these projects floor space index (FSI) based on number of families to be housed in the clusters.

This means that the FSI granted to these cluster projects may increase depending on the number of families to be housed in them. Thane, has a large number of illegal constructions in addition to dilapidated buildings.

This would do away with redevelopment of such dilapidated and illegally constructed individual buildings initiated by a developer, where provision of civic amenities “is nobody’s responsibility”, said officials.

In contrast, a cluster redevelopment approach will ensure planned development, with civic and infrastructural amenities provided to residents housed there. Chief secretary Jayant Kumar Banthia said  that cluster redevelopment was better than the redevelopment of individual buildings as in a cluster, corresponding amenities have to be developed. This will also serve as an incentive for people staying in congested houses who may be able to move to larger dwellings, thus granting an impetus to such plans.