Monday, 29 March 2010

Redeveloped Bandra-Khar buildings lack open space

I have seen many such buildings in Mumbai where balconies jet out to the road. There is no setback and all architecture norms are flouted. Now it appears these guys flout civil aviation norms where the maximum number of floors in the Bandra Khar, SantaCruz, Vile-Parle, Andheri (east) zone is set to be 8-9 floors. Bribe and get away is the age old mantra. Buyers need to be extra vigilant else they may find that their floor is illegally constructed. The best thing is to go for floors below 8 just in case something comes up in the future. Given the prices I wonder who is buying in these areas.

Locals fear that these redeveloped buildings which have their entry points on roads and footpaths could cause serious safety hazards. According to the rules, compulsory space of 15 feet should be left open around the buildings for free movement of people during emergencies.

“From the roadside, at least 4.5m of space should be kept open. If this is not the case, then there is a cause for worry. We first have to verify if the building line is from the inside. This varies from case to case and on how the plans are passed. If buildings are constructed under section 33(7), then relaxation of open space is found. It also depends on whether relaxations were allowed by the municipal commissioner or the SRA commissioner,” said Uday Tatkare, chief fire officer.

According to Right to Information (RTI) replies,these redeveloped buildings without compulsory open spaces are on Linking Road opposite Khatwari Darbar, at the SV Road and Khar Station Road junction, at the Waterfield Road (near Popley Jewellers) junction of 13th and 8th Road in Khar (W) and on 33rd Road.

When VL Joshi, chief engineer (Development Plan) was contacted, he said, “We will call the building proposal officials from H (West) ward and clarify this. We approve certain plans, but if DC rules are not followed we don’t give the occupation certificate.According to DC Rules 1991, the plot potential has increased for builders in Bandra.”

A builder on condition of anonymity said: “If builders have a commencement certificate for six floors, they construct an additional six illegally. Many new commercial and residential buildings have even flouted civil aviation norms.”

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