State to push for low FSI in island city

The state government is considering restrictions on the vertical development of Mumbai, especially in the older, island city. Sources have said the Urban Development Department (UDD) will send a proposal to Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan soon, suggesting controls on the floor-space index (FSI) granted to buildings, particularly in the island city.

The state government is considering restrictions on the vertical development of Mumbai, especially in the older, island city.

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Sources have said the Urban Development Department (UDD) will send a proposal to chief minister Prithviraj Chavan soon, suggesting controls on the floor-space index (FSI) granted to buildings, particularly in the island city.

FSI determines the total permissible built-up area relative to the size of a plot.

The UDD is concerned that the large number of high-rises being built in Mumbai, on mill land and via numerous redevelopment projects, will further strain existing infrastructure, including roads, water supply and open spaces.

"We will soon request the chief minister to place restrictions on FSI," said a senior official who did not wish to be named as he is not authorised to comment on policy matters.

"These need not be permanent restrictions, but we need to limit till the city's vertical growth till the new development plan is prepared and more infrastructure built."

UDD officials declined comment since the state Assembly is in session.

The development plan - a blueprint of the city's development, land reservations and plans for civic infrastructure - is being revised and will be ready by 2014.

"We are planning to incorporate changes in the development plan since recent decisions to grant more FSI will put pressure on infrastructure across the city," the official said.