Redevelopment Woes: Call To Relax 18-Meter Side Margin Rule In PMC Limit
Pune, 31st October 2023: Hemant Rasane, the former chairman of the standing committee of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), has appealed to Commissioner Vikram Kumar to revoke a circular mandating a side margin on plots with a depth of more than 18 meters during construction in densely populated and rural areas of the PMC. This requirement has posed challenges to the redevelopment of numerous historical palaces.
Construction projects in the Gavthan area are currently encountering significant obstacles. Previously, many buildings were granted construction permits without the necessity of leaving any side margin. However, amendments to the UDCPR rules now demand a mandatory one-meter side margin even for buildings exceeding 15 meters in height.
In May 2023, the government issued an order granting Commissioner Kumar the authority to provide relaxation in construction requirements when faced with challenges. Despite a circular issued by the Municipal Corporation regarding this matter, it appears that the concessions provided are insufficient. The current circular offers discounts only for plots with depths up to 18 meters, affecting many historical structures, especially old palaces.
Rasane has urged Commissioner Kumar to reconsider and relax the 18-meter depth condition, citing the adverse impact on redevelopment initiatives. This demand aligns with the broader goal of balancing urban development regulations while preserving the historical and cultural significance of the city’s architectural heritage.
The difficulties faced by construction projects in the Gavthan area underscore the need for a more nuanced approach to urban planning, considering the diverse needs of both modern development and the preservation of historical structures.
Municipal Commissioner Kumar is expected to review the request and explore potential adjustments to the current regulations to better accommodate the evolving landscape of construction projects in Pune.
