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The West Bengal state government's urban development and municipal affairs department has released a draft notification proposing changes to sections of the West Bengal Municipal (Building) Rules, 2007. The amendments include provisions such as reserving 10% of parking spaces for charging infrastructure in buildings with more than 30 flats or apartments, regularizing minor deviations from sanctioned building plans, allowing additional ground coverage for car parking and building services, and introducing building rules for MSME units in industrial parks.
The government officials have stated that the proposed changes will apply to all municipal bodies across the state, with the exception of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Howrah Municipal Corporation, Chapter 10 of Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (Salt Lake township), and the municipal bodies in the hills, unless specifically mentioned.
The draft amendment proposes that in buildings with more than 30 flats or apartments, as well as institutional, business, industrial, storage, and mercantile buildings, 10% of parking spaces must be reserved for charging infrastructure. This move is a step towards promoting the use of electric vehicles and supporting the state's efforts towards reducing its carbon footprint.
Another significant amendment in the draft is regarding the regularization of minor deviations from sanctioned building plans. The civic bodies will have the power to regularize unauthorized erection or execution of any minor work without sanction, under the rules. However, such cases must be considered while keeping in regard the road width and communication facilities, drainage system of the surrounding locality, environmental aspects, structural safety, and other civic infrastructure. The civic bodies may also refer such cases to the state-level buildings committee for review.
The draft amendment also includes provisions for additional ground coverage for car parking and building services. In buildings with plots measuring 3,000 square meters and up to 5,000 square meters, a 10% additional ground coverage may be allowed for car parking, ramps, staircase, lifts for upper-level car parking, and other services like AC plant and generator room, firefighting, and electrical equipment. For buildings on plots exceeding 5,000 square m, a 15% additional ground coverage may be allowed for car parking and building services.
In addition, the draft notification introduces a new part that proposes building rules for MSME units in industrial parks. These rules have been approved by the state government for industrial use or as factory sheds or buildings. The draft specifies the minimum size of a plot, ground coverage, maximum height of buildings, front, rear, and side open space, FAR, and parking space required for MSME units in industrial parks.
Overall, the proposed amendments aim to simplify the building approval process and promote sustainable development practices in the state. The amendments have been welcomed by many as they are expected to facilitate the ease of doing business and attract more investment in the state's real estate sector. However, it remains to be seen how these changes will be implemented in practice and what impact they will have on the state's urban development.
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