The Indian Express                 26.09.2013

DDA invites feedback on Master Plan 2021 modifications

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has invited public suggestions and objections for modifications in Master Plan 2021 including highrise buildings.

"Buildings taller than 15m (without stilt) and 17.5m (including stilt) in all use zones will be considered as highrise buildings'', according to the notification. There is no provision for highrise buildings under the present Master Plan.

The notice further states that rooftops will be allowed to be used for construction of swimming pool, landscaping and related structures.

Other modifications for which suggestions and objections have been invited include change in the definition of hotel. This has been revised to "a premise having minimum 10 lettable rooms for lodging and boarding of 15 persons or more on short/long-term basis.''

The scope of activities permitted in hotels has been widened to include service apartments and residential units with or without transfer of ownership rights. Commercial offices, retail and service shops have been increased from 20% to 30% of floor area in hotels.

In international convention centres, the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) has been increased from 120 to 250 and the ground coverage has been increased from 30% to 60%. Also, hotels and related activities have been allowed in 40% of floor area.

"Public can respond to the notice within a period of 45 days,'' an official said.

In the case of international convention centres being constructed in plots of four hectares or more, the FAR shall be reduced by 10% and ground coverage by 5% for every 10 hectare increase. The minimum limit for FAR shall be 120% and ground coverage will be 30%.

Also, specific heritage complexes within the Walled City of Shahjahanabad and Lutyens' Bungalow Zone have been nominated by the government for inscription as 'Imperial Cities of Delhi in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Cities'. This modification is also proposed to be made in the chapter conservation of built heritage in the Master Plan.