They say it will rob the city of at least 30% open spaces, including part of salt pan lands, and the planned reclamation will lead to flooding
Activists were outraged by the inclusion of salt pan lands since they are ecologically sensitive
With several controversial provisions, the newly-drafted Development Control Regulations, part of the BMC's Development Plan, seems to be a recipe for disaster.
Activists were outraged by the inclusion of salt pan lands since they are ecologically sensitive. File pic
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It will not only rob the city of at least 30% of the open spaces it deserves, but is also controversial for its unlocking of No Development Zones, including salt pan lands. mid-day takes a look at all that is controversial about this DP and what experts have to say about it.
The plan
Construction on open space: mid-day was the first to report how the BMC will allow construction on 30% open spaces while retaining the rest. The provision was brought in because when the civic body would reserve a certain private plot as open space, the owner would invariably counter the reservation using legal means. The space would not be available for years which led to less implementation of the DP.
Unlocking of NDZ: The civic body had proposed unlocking of 2,100 hectares of No Development Zones that were initially perceived as full of mangroves and reclaimed land. Besides, the civic body plans to generate 500 hectares from the tourism development authority; 260 hectares from salt pan lands and 140 hectares of port trust land. There was outrage about the inclusion of salt pan lands since they are ecologically sensitive.
Redevelopment of slums: The civic body has recently released provision 33(10) of a chapter called 'Additional FSI.' One of the sub-clauses of the provision says that, if for instance there is a plot of 501 sq mts which has an open space reservation but has been encroached by slums, 67% of it can be used for redevelopment of that slum, while 33% will be used for open space.
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