New estate policy for civic plots’ redevelopment rejected

Redevelopment of over 130 residential buildings on civic plots will be stuck, affecting over 40,000 residents, as the civic improvements committee on Friday rejected the new estate policy of the civic administration.

Redevelopment of over 130 residential buildings on civic plots will be stuck, affecting over 40,000 residents, as the civic improvements committee on Friday rejected the new estate policy of the civic administration.

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The point opposed was that 3395 municipal plots, given on perpetual lease (999 years), will not be permanently owned by the lessees if they apply for redevelopment or change of user. “How can you change the period of lease in the agreement? The policy cannot stand in court,” said Manoj Kotak, a BJP corporator.

Of 4179 municipal plots, 3395 plots were given on perpetual lease before 1940, while others are leased for 10 to 120 years. Plots leased for less than 30 years, which go for redevelopment, will be renewed for 30 years while those with more than 30 years lease period will be renewed for 99 years.

A proposal to slash the transfer fee charged by the BMC from 50% to 10% of the rate of the plot was cleared. Another rejected policy said the BMC will develop markets not given annexure 2(eligibility proof), and bids will be called under 33 (21) of development rules. The builder will get Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) in exchange for building the market.

“This policy is not clear. It is unfair for builders who wanted to redevelop 25 markets given annexure2 five years ago but the BMC didn’t process their file,” said Bhalchandra Shirsat, chairman, improvements committee.