MPD to increase commercial space

New Delhi, Feb 8 (UNI) Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy today said Delhi Master Plan 2021 not only allows a huge increase in commercial space in the capital but also provides for its incentivised re-development.

''Incentivised re-development, both in planned and unplanned areas, will permit old buildings to be replaced by new without height restrictions,'' he said.

''In order to make Delhi a modern city, it has been decided not to make height restrictions for building in authorised as well as unauthorised colonies.'' The only condition being that such a structure should not cover more than 33 per cent of the plot area, he said, however adding that most structures at present had 100 per cent coverage.

Mentioning some of the important decisions formulated in the new master plan, Mr Reddy said private sector would now be allowed into the housing sector, change in focus from ''plotted development'' to group housing and 52 per cent of housing would be for the poor.

Any housing project built in future would have to have 15 per cent of the Floor Area Ratio reserved for those from the Economically Weaker Section, he said.

Builders would be invited through 'transparent bidding method' for 'in-situ' development of slums, in which at least 35 per cent of dwelling units or 15 per cent of FAR, which ever was higher would have to be reserved for EWS, he added.

''It is a win-win situation that serves the larger societal purpose.'' Among the other provisions provided in the master plan were allowing commercialisation of plots in industrial areas along 80 foot-wide roads and Inter State Bus Terminus, depots and terminals for constructing economy (budget) hotels.

The master plan also allowed multi-level parkings in public and private land, including residential areas, Mr Reddy said.

The Yamuna river had also not been ignored and a detailed plan was made for its rejuvenation. Similarly, a survey of the Delhi Ridge would be got done by the forest department for its proper preservation and emphasis had been laid on maintaining 'green areas' of the city, he added.

''Balance has to be had between the galloping demand for real estate and need to maintain lung space.'' UNI