DCR for Mumbai gets flexible for yoga centres

Also expect viewing galleries, helipads on high-rises; experts say these can be used to ‘market’ city

In a first, city authorities have proposed the creation of yogalayas or fitness centres in buildings.

It has also paved the way for viewing galleries and helipads on the rooftop of tall buildings and common terraces, which can be utilised as recreational spaces.

These new-age spaces, which did not find a mention in the Development Control Regulations (DCR) 1991, have been welcomed by architects and planners as a good move, which can be used to “market” the city.

The revised DCR 2034 allows a yogalaya or a fitness centre not extending more than 200 sqm per building. The owner can apply to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the same, with an undertaking that it will be handed over to the society.

Municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta said these additions have been incorporated to suit the changing times and the need for such spaces in the city.

“Our focus in the revised DCR is on quality of life and social equity. These are additions that are followed internationally as well,” Mehta said.

The commissioner gave the example of the Empire State Building in New York, a major tourist attraction with observation decks.

In addition, helipads will be allowed on buildings more than 200m in height. It states that prior permission from the Director General of Civil Aviation, the Union Defence Ministry and the state government would be mandatory to create helipads.

The DCR also mentions the usage of common terraces that can be used to create additional recreational green cover.

These rooftop gardens will be in addition to the mandatory recreation space in each building, the DCR states.

Shirish Sukhatme, president, PEATA (Practising Engineers, Architects and Town Planners) said, “It is a good move from the point of view of creating a smart city. It will also prove to be helpful to market the city for tourism. Infrastructural development is helpful in garnering investments.”