The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) has completed hearings involving developers of 95 redevelopment projects that were placed on hold over a dispute concerning additional Floor Space Index (FSI). Several developers have requested more time to submit further representations, while authorities are awaiting the state government’s opinion on issuing Occupancy Certificates (OCs).
The controversy began after redevelopment permissions granted in 2023 allowed developers to use additional FSI for tenants under provisions of the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR).
According to developers, the construction work was undertaken strictly in accordance with permissions issued by the civic administration at the time.
However, after Prithviraj BP assumed charge as municipal commissioner, the civic body stopped issuing OCs and halted further construction in the affected projects. The administration took the position that the FSI provision relating to tenants occupying 15 sq m did not apply to these redevelopment schemes.
Of the developers who received notices, 88 have submitted their responses, while others have sought additional time to present their cases.
Developer Gangaram Mukund questioned the change in interpretation of the permissions.
“Then the commissioner granted us construction permissions, and we carried out the work accordingly.
Will the rules change just because the commissioner has changed?” asked developer Gangaram Mukund.
Another developer, Hitesh Jain, said the prolonged hold-up had created financial pressure after funds were raised for the projects.
“We invested in the project after taking bank loans and have been waiting for the OC for the past eight months. Customers are now repeatedly asking us to hand over possession of their homes,” said developer Hitesh Jain
Developers have also highlighted the impact on homebuyers, many of whom have invested their savings and are waiting for possession.
“If the stay on the projects is not lifted, we will approach the court,” said developers’ lawyer Adv Nimesh Vasa.
He also argued that the municipal commissioner could exercise special powers to allow the additional construction.
State Government Opinion Awaited
The town planning department said hearings involving developers who had received notices have now been completed.
“We have sought the state government’s opinion regarding the issuance of OCs, but the response is still awaited,” an official said.
The civic administration has indicated that the matter is expected to be resolved after the relevant review is completed.
For developers, the central issue remains the interpretation of the permissions and additional FSI granted in 2023. For homebuyers and existing residents, the immediate concern is the delay in obtaining OCs and completing possession formalities.
The outcome of the state government’s response will therefore determine the next steps for the affected projects, including whether construction can resume and pending Occupancy Certificates can be processed.
Source: Times of India
