Will scrap DP if found irregular, assures Maharashtra CM

Following growing resentment against Mumbai's draft development plan (DP), Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the plan would be scrapped and prepared afresh, if found irregular.

The draft DP has come under fire, among other reasons, for its philosophy that more FSI implying more high-rises would create affordable housing in the city. File pic for representation

A panel headed by state's chief secretary will study complaints that were received against the draft. The announcement came in the legislative assembly on Monday. "I, too, have received many complaints.

I think the state government must intervene in a limited manner in this case, and, hence, a government-appointed panel will find out whether gross irregularities were committed while preparing the plan," Fadnavis told the Assembly, in reply to the views expressed by city MLAs, including city BJP president Ashish Shelar and others.

Swadheen Kshatriya, chief secretary, will be assisted by the principal secretary (urban development) and state director (town planning). Kshatriya will submit an interim report before the legislative session concludes on Friday.

According to the CM, the panel will also recommend extension, if any, for submitting suggestions and objections to the draft DP because the stipulated period of 60 days will soon be over.

However, Fadnavis refused to ask the state machinery to prepare the DP afresh. "The people of Mumbai and their representatives reserve the right to decide the city's plan. The BMC alone will prepare the new draft, if need be," he said.

The draft DP has been questioned over a proposal to grant more floor space index (FSI), opening up of no-development zones for construction and the philosophy that more FSI implying more high-rise buildings would create more affordable housing in the city. Releasing the city's green spaces for development has also been heavily criticised.