In a major relief to big plot holders and builders in the national Capital, the Ministry of Urban Development on Wednesday approved the enhancement of ground coverage and floor area ratio (FAR).
As per the amendment in the Master Plan for Delhi-2021, FAR has been increased from 150 to 200 per cent for 750 to 1,000 sq metre plots while the same has been increased from 120 to 200 per cent for plots of 1,000 sq metres and above.
This means that people can add one more floor to the building but they will have to restrict the height of the building to 15 metres as there has been no change in the rule pertaining to the height of the building. The decision will most likely help big plot holders, builders and farmhouse owners owning land up to 750 sq metres and above.
The amendment comes as a major plus point for the BJP to woo voters in the upcoming Assembly polls.
The previous Government (Congress) had earlier increased the FAR from 100 per cent to 150 per cent in 2009. Insiders say that this would help to resolve housing problem to some extent in the national Capital but there would be greater stress on the services being provided by the various agencies. Some say that only big plot holders will be benefitted.
FAR essentially means the limit imposed on the amount of construction in a certain plot of land or location. In other words, it helps control the building volume. FAR parameters vary from State to State and are governed by the respective city development authorities.
“The Authority had passed a proposal that the maximum ground coverage in respect to plots of 750 sqm and above be increased from 40 per cent to 50 per cent and the FAR be increased from 120 to 200. This will, however, not change the number of dwelling units proposed to be allowed after increase in FAR. The issue of dwelling units will have to be taken up in court, which had restricted addition of more units. Permission will be sought for allowing additional dwelling units in view of increase in FAR,” a DDA official said.
This issue had been notified under the Master Plan and about 109 objections and suggestions were received. The objections and suggestions were deliberated over by the Board of Enquiry and the decision was taken based on the recommendations of the Board.