This is said
to be a major obstacle in construction of sufficient parking space in
buildings, say experts. Many builders do not want to lose out on the
marginal space, so they restrict the height of the building by
compromising on parking space.

The proposal will come up for
discussion in the general body meeting on August 28. The NMC’s town
planning department has prepared the proposal. After the consent of
general body, NMC will invite suggestions and objections on the proposal
and then submit the state government. After approval of the government, the new rule will come into force with modification in the city’s development control regulations 2000. The new rule will be applicable in areas in the jurisdiction of NMC as well as NIT.

Explaining the proposal, a senior NMC official said the rule aims to
reduce traffic congestion by providing sufficient parking space in
residential and commercial areas. “Construction of parking in the
basement costs too much. Construction of parking floors is avoided due
to the present rule, which makes it mandatory to increase marginal space
according to increase in height of the building,” said the official.

The marginal spaces are calculated according to the formula ‘height
divided by two minus four’. No one wants to increase the height of the
building by constructing parking floors, as then they have to leave huge
marginal space. “Now, marginal space will not increase even if height
of building increases due to construction of parking floors,” the
official said.

Explaining the advantages of the new rule in
systematic development of the city, renowned builder and senior
corporator Praful Gudadhe said NMC had failed to revise the rules
according to increase in population and also number of vehicles.
“Builders and commercial establishments avoid parking floors due to some
rules, including the one NMC is proposing to revise. Those who do not
want basements and prefer roadsides for parking will now provide parking
floors, and reduce inconvenience,” he said.

However, there are
apprehensions about the misuse of the new rule, considering past
experience. Builders could build additional floors in the name of
parking, and sell them to earn more money, said some citizens.

Admitting the chances of misuse, Gudadhe said all depends upon strict
implementation of norms. “NMC should also make provision of strict
action in case of any misuse. Besides, monitoring and action has to be
taken regularly. Not revising the rules fearing misuse will not solve
problems of population and vehicles increasing every year. Besides, the
beneficiary buildings under the proposed rule will have to pay a premium
according to rates finalized by municipal commissioner and NIT
chairman,” he said.

Along with this revision, NMC’s town
planning department has also proposed to amend development control
regulations 2000 to allow NMC or NIT to grant transferable development
rights (TDR) to those affected by reservation of land. Currently, NMC or
NIT issue TDR for their purposes, but this is not applicable for other
government departments like police, post office etc.