New coastal zone regulations to free up to 20,000 sq mt built-up area in Mumbai

Mumbai’s coastline will undergo a sea change in the wake of the new Coastal Regulation Zone notification of 2011. Construction of more than 20,000 sq mt built-up areas in Mumbai would be approved in accordance with the Environment Impact Assessment notification of 2006. However, in case of projects less than 20,000 sq ft built-up areas, planning authorities would approve the projects in accordance with this notification after obtaining recommendations from the concerned coastal zone management authority (CZMA). The revised notification would help expedite redevelopment of slum rehabilitation schemes in Mumbai suburbs and redevelopment of dilapidated buildings in and around the island city.

“The government and its agencies will maintain transparency in the working of CZMA. The development of slums, fishermen’s colonies and dilapidated buildings will be done strictly as per the provisions of CRZ notification 2011,” Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan told Business Standard.

A real estate developer, who did not want to be quoted, said the notification’s proposal to bring these developments under the purview of the Right to Information Act is crucial. Besides, CAG audit has been made mandatory and it would help in curbing eviction of existing dwellers during the redevelopment.

A government official said that under the revised CRZ notification rehabilitation schemes for slums were permitted with the floor space index (FSI) permissible on the date of sanction. However, the rider is such schemes need to be implemented through the government or agencies like the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority and Maharashtra Housing & Area Development Authority having a 51 per cent stake in the project. He admitted that the reconstruction and repair to the dwelling units belonging to the fishermen would be processed on a priority basis. There were 35-40 such fishermen colonies in Mumbai, the official informed.