More affordable housing for people

Pradeep Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 15

In a major incentive to the recession-hit realty sector, the state government has allowed builders to increase the density of population to 300 persons per acre.

The decision is likely to put more pressure on the already poor infrastructure in urban areas, besides reducing the area for community sites, sources said, adding that smaller dwelling units would become more affordable.

The proposal to amend the New Integrated Licensing Policy (NILP), 2016, which was under consideration for quite some time, got the Cabinet’s nod on Thursday, paving the way for the revision in floor area ratio (FAR), density norms and changes in the size of community sites.

Now, the builders will be permitted an FAR of 1.25 with the provision of purchasable development rights (PDR). “The FAR will be permitted on 88 per cent of the licensed area after reserving 12 per cent area for economically weaker sections (EWS),” the sources said.

The fees, including the licence fees, conversion fees and external development charges, will be recovered in proportion to the increased FAR.

For the upgrade of the town-level infrastructure keeping in view the increase in population, the state government is exploring the possibilities of necessary amendments to the policy.

Meanwhile, developers will provide two pieces of land for community sites — one, spread over at least 1.25 acres each in a colony up to 40 acres and, two, at least 2 acres each for colonies above 40 acres.