One-month period to study, object to new DCR begins

Not enough time, say citizens; BMC says objections can be submitted till June 21

Not satisfied: Citizens stage a protest against the new DP. File Photo

Mumbai: To put to rest apprehensions that the public may not get enough time to submit objections to the Development Plan 2034, the BMC said on Tuesday that feedback on the modified Development Control Rules (DCR) can be sent in till June 21. The civic body also said objections to modified reservations in the Excluded Plan (EP) are yet to be invited.

The State government has divided the DP into two parts: a sanctioned plan (DP) and a modified plan (EP). The DP cover reservations and construction regulations, which has already undergone public scrutiny, and will come into effect immediately.

The EP comprises changes of a substantial nature, in both reservations and construction regulations. Objections to the EP DCR (construction rules) can be sent in now onwards,while EP reservations (plots) will require plans to be published first.

Lack of time

Soon after the DP 2034 was notified by the State government, many Mumbaikars expressed concerns about the time required to study it and then submit objections to the same.

In a public meeting organised by the Urban Design Research Institute (UDRI) on Monday, many among those gathered felt Mumbaikars wouldn’t have enough time to study the DP. They also claimed objections are being invited without a gazette notification on the DP, or publishing the plan.

Pankaj Joshi, executive director, UDRI, said, “They’re asking us to submit objections without giving us the necessary tools to do so. Whatever has been made public is of no use without the DP plans. Only after we see the plans will we be able to comment.” In fact, a gazette notification on the new DP was published by the State government on Tuesday in city newspapers. The formal publication is expected soon.

Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta said the one-month window for suggesting DCR modifications began on Tuesday. “The period for submitting objections on DCR changes in the Excluded Plan will be one month from publication in the gazette. Meanwhile, the period for new reservations in the EP has not begun yet. The plans will be published in about 10 days. The one-month period will start after this.”

People can begin submitting objections to aspects such as FSI regulations and new regulations with immediate effect. These can be sent to the the Deputy Director of Town Planning, Greater Mumbai at E block, ENSA Hutment, Azad Maidan, Mumbai. The Deputy Director of Town Planning will hear all genuine objections.