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The state government has approved CIDCO's redevelopment policy for the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) region to tackle the problem of rundown buildings. This decision comes after delays due to NAINA regulations. Under the new policy, developers get an extra 30% area for redevelopment projects. Villagers are pushing for a minimum 2.5 FSI (floor space index) to make these projects feasible and are advocating for the implementation of Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR).
The state issued a notification amending NAINA UDCPR just before the code of conduct came into effect, endorsing CIDCO's proposal. This policy applies to 94 villages spread over 225.59 sq km in NAINA, particularly targeting the 23 villages with ready Town Planning Schemes in the initial phase. It specifically benefits residents of dilapidated or 30-year-old buildings.
As per the notification, these buildings will receive either an additional 30% FSI or an extra 15 sqm construction area without any additional premium payment for redevelopment. However, if additional FSI is necessary, developers will be required to pay a premium according to established norms. The government has allowed a 30-day period for suggestions and objections on the notification, with a deadline of April 15. To facilitate this process, the assistant director of town planning of the Konkan Division has been appointed.
Despite the government's decision, the NAINA Prakalp Badhit Shetkari Utkarsh Samiti (NPBSUS), which has been opposing NAINA for a decade, plans to file objections. Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur has been vocal in supporting the policy, highlighting the dire conditions of many buildings in gram panchayat areas of NAINA and the safety risks they pose to residents.
However, NPBSUS insists that the current policy falls short of addressing their concerns. They argue that a minimum of 2.5 FSI is necessary for redevelopment to be financially viable. Additionally, they emphasise the importance of implementing the new UDCPR, which would enable additional FSI and incentives for farmers.
Rajesh Keni, secretary of NPBSUS, challenges proponents of the present policy to demonstrate its feasibility by redeveloping a project on a no-profit-no-loss basis. He stresses that residents expect larger accommodations during redevelopment, making the current 1.3 FSI insufficient to attract developer interest.
Prakash Baviskar, president of the NAINA Builders Association, echoes NPBSUS's concerns, emphasising the need for comprehensive implementation of UDCPR in the NAINA area. He criticises the new notification for redevelopment, stating that it merely reiterates existing FSI regulations, which are insufficient (1.1 FSI in real terms) to meet the needs of developers.
To summarise, while the government's approval of CIDCO's redevelopment policy is a step forward, there are lingering concerns among villagers and stakeholders regarding its feasibility and adequacy in addressing the challenges faced in the NAINA region.
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