Highrises on plots less than 1,000 sq m area will not be permitted

The technical committee for highrise buildings in Mumbai has framed a draft whereby it will not to consider any proposals for a high rise on a net plot area of less than 1,000 sq m. It has submitted its draft guidelines for such buildings to the Municipal Commissioner.

The seven-member committee, chaired by former Chief Justice BV Chavan, has decided to follow the proposed guidelines, particularly the one regarding net plot area, hereafter. Chavan said, “Earlier, there were no set norms regarding the net plot area for highrises. Though we will now give clearances only under the new guidelines, we are just a recommendation committee and the ultimate power lies with the administration.”

A highrise building on a smaller plot meant many safety norms were compromised with, especially those on fire safety. Usually, there are two staircases, one fire lift, one stretcher lift, etc which are needed for highrise buildings. The buildings that come up for approval with lesser net plot area could not necessarily fulfill all the safety requirements.