State to re-draw FSI policy for city

The state government is finally trying to realign its floor space index (FSI) policy to match the available infrastructure. A state-appointed panel, set up in May to recommend changes in the FSI policy, is likely to submit its report by December.

The state government is finally trying to realign its floor space index (FSI) policy to match the available infrastructure. A state-appointed panel, set up in May to recommend changes in the FSI policy, is likely to submit its report by December.

HT Image

FSI norms regulate built-up area on any plot of land. FSI in Mumbai is limited to 1.33, ie, built-up area cannot exceed 1.33 times the size of the plot. In Mumbai, FSI is regularly hiked for builders in return for them taking up projects such as slum rehabilitation.

This results in congestion and strain on infrastructure around the projects.

Such relaxations have led to the sanctioning of at least 15 high-rises in Central Mumbai. With other projects also coming up in the area, the Lower Parel-Worli belt will soon have 40 million sq ft of space without any corresponding augmentation of infrastructure.

Urban planners were not very hopeful of what the panel would achieve.