The Deccan Herald 25.08.2010
State proposes layouts on Gujarat model
Bangalore, Aug 24, DHNS:
The Government is contemplating to adopt the Gujarat model of Town Planning Scheme (TPS) for formation of layouts by urban local authorities in State.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday after holding a review meeting with commissioners of various urban local authorities, Urban Development Minister Suresh Kumar said under TPS, the land pooled for formation of layouts is shared between the local authority and owner in a ratio of 60:40. The Government was even contemplating to extend the share ratio between the local authority and owner on a 55:45 basis. The scheme, though with some variations, has been adopted by KIADB and BDA during land acquisition.
Under TPS, lands of different owners is pooled together and after proper planning the same is re-distributed after deducting the land required for open spaces, social infrastructure, services, housing for the weaker section and street network. The process enables the local planning authority to develop the commonly pooled land without compulsorily acquiring the same, he said. The owner also gets compensation for the area reduced for public spaces and roads.
Suresh Kumar said the State Government is also contemplating to incorporate changes in the Karnataka State Town and Country Planning Act 1961 based on the draft Urban and Regional Planning Bill prepared by the Centre.
The draft bill has provisions to include areas that previously had not benefited from planned development. It also enables authorities to plan better to promote investment in housing businesses and social facilities.
The minister said 15 of the 29 urban development authorities in the State have been warned that they will be down-graded to planning authorities if they do not come out with developmental plans within one month. Unlike urban development authorities, planning authorities have no power to acquire land, allot sites and take up developmental works.
Suresh Kumar said all authorities have been instructed not to submit change of land use proposal for a period of two years after finalising their Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP). The authorities have been directed to come out with a comprehensive plan to safeguard heritage sites.
A state-level workshop on Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) will be held in Bangalore on September 7 to discuss the pros and cons of the scheme. Town planners, experts and officials of various departments will participate in the workshop.
