Court ruling empowers NMMC to allow 1.5 FSI

Court ruling empowers NMMC to allow 1.5 FSI
For years Navi Mumbaikars had been enjoying one Floor Space Index (FSI) but were demanding more. Till the matter was sub-judice under a petition filed by a Mumbai-based NGO challenging the same the Town Planning department of NMMC was not able to provide the same. But with the high court ruling in favour, 1.5 FSI has been endowed on Navi Mumbaikars.
Navi Mumbai was developed by City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) as per their General Development and Control Regulations (GDCR) and City Development Plan (CDP). In 1992, NMMC came into existence as the administrative body. However, it had to follow rules made by CIDCO till 2009 and hence many development plans of NMMC could not take shape.
For the development of new structures in the city NMMC permitted developers to build with higher FSI. But this was challenged in a PIL filed by Mumbai Citizen Group in the high court. The NGO argued that if the FSI is increased more basic amenities will be required. This argument made HC order status quo in the matter and hence only 1 FSI was permitted for new development work in the city.
During the process the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission came into existence bringing in huge funds for the development of the city. However, as per the terms and condition the NMMC had to have its own GDCR and CDP to receive the grant and loan from central and state government. Accordingly from the year 2007 the process was initiated and by the end of 2009 NMMC was able to bring its own GDCR and CDP.
NMMC Town Planning Officer Bane informs, "It is only because we have our own GDCR which allows 1.5 FSI to housing societies above 1000 square metres along 15 metre roads that we are in position to provide the required basic amenities. The court has ruled in our favour and we also have the provision of providing 2.5 FSI for redevelopment of buildings which are in dilapidated condition".