Uttar Pradesh introduced new building construction and development bylaws aimed at modernising urban development. These regulations are designed to streamline construction processes and promote efficient land use. The draft, currently open for public feedback, proposes changes after 16 years of existing regulations.
Deregulation of Construction Approvals
The new bylaws focus on deregulation. Owners of residential plots up to 100 square metres and commercial buildings up to 30 square metres no longer need formal permission to build. Registration of the plot suffices. This also applies to renovations and reconstructions. Furthermore, residential buildings can be used for professional services without additional approvals, provided they meet certain conditions.
Online Approval System
A Trust Based Online Approval system is set to simplify the approval process. If a building plan is prepared by a licensed professional, applicants can submit a self-declaration. If no objections arise within a specified timeframe, the No Objection Certificate (NOC) is deemed approved. This system aims to reduce delays and corruption associated with traditional approval processes.
Unrestricted Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
The bylaws introduce unrestricted FAR for roads wider than 45 metres, promoting vertical development. Height restrictions on buildings have been lifted, except in specific areas like those near airports or heritage sites. Setback requirements have also been reduced, allowing for more efficient land use and construction.
Changes in Minimum Plot Sizes
Minimum plot sizes for various developments have been decreased. Hospitals and shopping malls can now be established on plots as small as 3,000 square metres. Group housing is permitted on plots of 1,500 square metres. This change aims to encourage investment in urban infrastructure.
Parking and Accessibility Provisions
New parking regulations include provisions for podium parking and mechanised triple-stack parking. Separate parking for ambulances in hospitals and designated zones for school buses have also been introduced. These measures aim to enhance accessibility and safety in urban areas.
Cost Ceilings for Affordable Housing
The bylaws set cost ceilings for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Lower Income Groups (LIG). The maximum cost for EWS units is capped at Rs. 4,50,000, while LIG units are capped at Rs. 9,00,000. In larger cities, these limits may be increased by 20%.
Provisions for Health and Education Sectors
Provisions specific to the health sector include reduced minimum plot areas for medical establishments. The capacity for nursing homes has been expanded from 10 to 50 beds. In education, the minimum width for approach roads to nursery and primary schools has been lowered to nine metres. Schools must also provide adequate parking for school buses.
Investment Attraction
The new bylaws are expected to attract more investment in the state. By simplifying regulations and reducing costs, Uttar Pradesh aims to encourage a more conducive environment for construction and urban development.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically examine the impact of deregulation on urban development in India.
- Discuss the significance of online approval systems in modern governance.
- What are the advantages of unrestricted Floor Area Ratio in urban planning? Explain.
- With suitable examples, discuss the role of affordable housing in economic development.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically examine the impact of deregulation on urban development in India.
- Deregulation can accelerate construction by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, leading to faster project completion.
- It may enhance accessibility to housing and commercial spaces, particularly for smaller developers and individuals.
- Potential risks include unplanned urban sprawl and inadequate infrastructure if regulations are too lax.
- Economic growth could be stimulated through increased investment in real estate and related sectors.
- Environmental concerns may arise if deregulation overlooks sustainability and zoning laws.
2. Discuss the significance of online approval systems in modern governance.
- Online approval systems streamline processes, reducing time and effort for both applicants and government officials.
- They enhance transparency and accountability, minimizing opportunities for corruption and delays.
- Such systems can improve citizen engagement by providing clear guidelines and status updates on applications.
- Automation can lead to more efficient allocation of government resources and manpower.
- Online systems can be integrated with data analytics to monitor trends and improve policy-making.
3. What are the advantages of unrestricted Floor Area Ratio in urban planning? Explain.
- Unrestricted FAR promotes vertical development, maximizing land use in densely populated areas.
- It can lead to more efficient infrastructure utilization, reducing urban sprawl and conserving green spaces.
- Higher density can support public transport systems, making them more viable and efficient.
- It encourages mixed-use developments, encouraging vibrant urban environments with residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
- Unrestricted FAR can attract investments by allowing developers greater flexibility in project design and scale.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the role of affordable housing in economic development.
- Affordable housing boosts economic growth by providing shelter for the workforce, essential for productivity.
- It stimulates local economies through construction jobs and the demand for materials and services.
- For instance, government initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in India have aimed to provide low-cost housing, improving living standards.
- Affordable housing can reduce poverty and inequality, enabling lower-income families to access better opportunities.
- It also supports urban regeneration, revitalizing neglected areas and attracting further investment.
