The Hindu : HUDA Master Plan to be notified by month-end

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Dec 17, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad

HUDA Master Plan to be notified by month-end

By M.L.Melly Maitreyi

HYDERABAD Dec. 16. The much-awaited HUDA Master Plan for Hyderabad Metropolitan Area-2020, an important public document and what the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority describes it as a `Collector's item', will be notified by the month-end.

The Plan for Sustainable Development - 2020 is for an anticipated population of around 136 lakhs. Written in common people's language, supported by charts and graphs for easy understanding, the document sent for printing, would be on sale at HUDA and other outlets soon.

``Enough time will be given for all sections of people to read it and get back with suggestions. Then it will be sent for the Government approval'', an official said. The master plan is notifying all the regulations for objections and suggestions for the first time. After notification, it will be hosted on the website supported by pictorial representations.

Meticulous effort had gone into the preparation of plan and inputs and data were sought from various agencies to take all aspects -- transport, environment, economic census, and other requirements for incorporating in the new master plan, he disclosed.

The significant feature of the new master plan is its effort to discourage practice of frequent land use conversion appeals. It provides for a non-MCH residential zone of more than 500 sq.km, while the non-MCH area residential area demand is computed at 327 sq.km as against the current area of 214 sq.km. A buffer area of about 170 sq.km is provided in residential zone, up by 53 per cent.

``There should be no justification for converting agricultural or conservation zones to housing any more for at least another 20 years'', it is said. This is in keeping with the demand made by various sections and interest groups.

All tanks and water bodies are made special reservations with at least 30 m buffer green belts. A large number of sites spread over the entire metro area are designated as multiple use zone in which except industry any other use is permitted.

To avoid ambiguity, recreation zones are re-named as open space zones. Conservation of natural and man-made heritage is an integral part of regulations. In order to offer a carrot to polluting and hazardous industries located amidst or in the vicinity of residential areas, such industries and even old industrial estates are indicated as multiple use zone so that owners can use those lands for residential, commercial or any other profitable use and consider shifting the industries in less objectionable areas away from the city.

Another significant feature of the plan is to induce private sector to provide smaller residential sites layouts, the regulations provide attractive incentives to developers. Larger layouts enable the creation of bigger open spaces, roads and common areas.

The HUDA proposed to make life easier for the common man who can barely afford a 250 sq.m residential plot. A SARAL set of building norms is proposed. An individual can submit his or her plan as per these norms in

e-Seva, pay fees as per publicised slab rates with no FAR regulations at this level. This would take care of the needs of 95 per cent plot owners, the sources said.

For larger than 250 sq.m plot sizes, the regulations have two cases. MCH and outside MCH. The Floor Area Ratio and other parameters are then linked with road width and plot sizes in two slabs.

Software units, hotels and tourism related uses are permitted in a wide range of locations depending on site requirements. Commercial uses are proposed along major routes subject to service roads and deep setbacks.

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