Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed authorities to expedite the redevelopment of buildings impacted by restrictions around the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport funnel zone and the Juhu Military Transmission Station. Chairing a review meeting at Vidhan Bhavan, the Chief Minister called for policy reforms and better coordination among government agencies to make redevelopment projects in these restricted areas financially viable.
Fadnavis instructed officials to accelerate the redevelopment of ageing buildings in Santacruz, Vile Parle and Kurla, where airport height restrictions have delayed several housing projects. He asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to prepare a comprehensive policy for utilising Floor Space Index (FSI) in redevelopment projects located within the airport funnel zone.
As part of the proposed framework, the Chief Minister directed the BMC to examine whether additional FSI from restricted plots could be transferred or clubbed with adjoining or nearby developments, similar to the model followed for road widening projects. He also suggested considering higher FSI based on road width to improve the commercial viability of redevelopment schemes.
To ensure faster implementation, Fadnavis asked officials to undertake a detailed mapping exercise of all buildings affected by airport funnel zone restrictions. He also directed the administration to expedite redevelopment proposals for structures impacted by restrictions imposed around the Juhu Military Transmission Station.
The Chief Minister emphasised the need for coordinated action by the Urban Development Department along with agencies such as the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to streamline redevelopment across affected areas.
The review meeting was attended by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal, MLAs Amit Satam and Parag Alavani, Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development) Aseem Kumar Gupta, BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and other senior officials.
The proposed measures are expected to unlock redevelopment opportunities in several airport-affected neighbourhoods, where development has remained constrained for years due to aviation and defence-related height restrictions.
Source: The Free Press Journal
