Maharashtra's New Initiative for Architectural Landmarks in Mumbai

Mumbai, March 26 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Wednesday during the State Legislature session that a new policy has been formulated to construct iconic structures in Mumbai. This initiative is particularly significant as the city boasts a distinctive identity characterized by several historical buildings from the British era.

He emphasized that the state government aims to enhance tourism to further establish Mumbai's unique identity.

"Cities around the globe have cultivated unique identities through specific urban planning strategies and notable buildings. Similarly, Mumbai stands out due to its distinctive British-era architecture. As a world-class city with rich architectural heritage, it is crucial to safeguard this legacy. Thus, we must foster the construction of such iconic buildings to beautify the city, boost its tourism potential, and create a unique identity for Mumbai," stated the Deputy Chief Minister.

Shinde further elaborated that the existing Development Control and Promotion Rules in Mumbai impose restrictions on certain building types. Therefore, the government has devised a new policy targeting iconic buildings to facilitate their construction and promote architectural excellence.

To amend the rules for establishing a separate provision in the Development Control and Promotion Rules of Mumbai for iconic buildings, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has been tasked with making necessary amendments under Section 37 (1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, as added by Deputy CM Shinde.

In addition, he revealed that a separate provision has been introduced in the Development Control and Promotion Rules-2034 to support the redevelopment of buildings affected by height restrictions in the funnel zone of the airport in the Santacruz, Parle, and Kurla areas of Mumbai.

This new provision will facilitate the redevelopment of older structures in restricted zones, according to him.

"Given the height limitations in the funnel zone, redevelopment can only occur up to that specified height. Consequently, while redeveloping older buildings in this area, it is not feasible to utilize the entire permissible area at full capacity. This concern has been repeatedly raised by local representatives and citizens. Thus, approval has been granted to incorporate specific provisions in the Development Control and Promotion Rules-2034 to aid the redevelopment of old buildings in the airport funnel zone, which is subject to height restrictions in Greater Mumbai," the Deputy Chief Minister remarked.

As a result, a modification notice is being issued under Section 37(1A) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, he added.

This modification will not only support the redevelopment of old buildings in the funnel zone but also in other affected regions of Greater Mumbai where similar restrictions apply, the Deputy Chief Minister concluded.