State gives nod to redevelopment of educational institute and hospitals

In the poll year the Gujarat government has given an incentive to developers by granting additional FSI for construction on an open land at rate of 40% of the jantri (ready reckoner). Also, the state government will now allow redevelopment of hospitals and educational institutions more than 25 years old. This was not permissible till now.

Making amendments in the Gujarat Development Control Regulation (GDCR) Act, the Urban Development department has said that more FSI can be allowed albeit by paying as per the jantri rate. This implies that there can be more construction than permissible by paying the stipulated fees.

Redevelopment of educational institutions and hospitals will be allowed only up to their existing authorised carpet area. However, redevelopment with allied use is permissible which means that the unit can have shops which are of use for similar purpose.

In its notification dated September 13, the department also made few amendments in redevelopment policy for dwelling units. Units having carpet area less than 40 sq m may be redeveloped with carpet area only up to 40 sq m. Those having an area more than 40 sq m can be redeveloped with only an equal carpet area.

The maximum number of dwelling units in no case shall exceed the authorised number of units. And in case of shops on the ground floor, the carpet area and number of shops will remain the same post redevelopment.

The government has also set up a committee to decide on redevelopment of buildings more than 25 years old. The committee will have the municipal commissioner, deputy municipal commissioner, town development officer or equivalent, city engineer and chief fire officer. While in case of urban development authorities, it would be chairman of the respective authority.

The redeveloped dwelling unit cannot be sold within 5 years from the date of issue of occupancy certificate by the competent authority, as per the new norms.

No high-rise on 9-metre roads under new GDCR
As per amendments in the GDCR, no high-rise would be permitted on 9-metre roads. This would make redevelopment of dilapidated buildings on 9-metre roads difficult. Redevelopment of such buildings will be limited to the same number of dwelling units, making them unattractive for builders. As per a senior official of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation there are many such old buildings on small roads. This amendment would put a question mark on their redevelopment. Ahmedabad Mirror