Maharashtra's New Initiative for Iconic Structures in Mumbai: Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- New policy for iconic buildings in Mumbai.
- Focus on enhancing tourism and architectural heritage.
- Amendments to Development Control Rules for iconic structures.
- Redevelopment provisions for buildings in height-restricted zones.
- Support for preserving Mumbai's architectural identity.
Mumbai, March 26 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, announced on Wednesday during a session in the State Legislature that a new policy has been established to promote the construction of iconic buildings in Mumbai. He emphasized that the city possesses a distinctive identity, partly due to numerous historical structures from the British era.
He indicated that enhancing tourism is a primary objective to further develop Mumbai's unique character.
"Cities around the globe have successfully cultivated unique identities through specific urban planning strategies and notable buildings. Mumbai, recognized as a world-class city, boasts a rich architectural heritage that needs to be preserved. Thus, it is essential to encourage the creation of such distinctive iconic buildings in Mumbai, contributing to the city’s beautification and boosting tourism potential, thereby establishing a unique identity for Mumbai," stated the Deputy Chief Minister.
Shinde noted that existing Development Control and Promotion Rules imposed on certain buildings in Mumbai are limiting. Hence, the government has devised a new policy aimed at facilitating the construction of these distinctive structures and elevating architectural standards.
To amend the rules and include a specific provision for iconic buildings in the Development Control and Promotion Rules of Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has been instructed to revise these rules under Section 37 (1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, added Deputy CM Shinde.
In addition, Shinde mentioned a new provision in the Development Control and Promotion Rules-2034 aimed at facilitating the redevelopment of buildings in the airport funnel zone, particularly in the Santacruz, Parle, and Kurla regions of Mumbai.
This new provision will assist in redeveloping older buildings within the restricted zones of the Brihanmumbai area, he explained.
"Due to height restrictions in the funnel zone, redevelopment can only occur up to the established limits. Consequently, while redeveloping older structures in this area, it is not feasible to utilize the entire allowable area at full capacity, a concern raised by local representatives and residents. Approval has been granted to amend the Development Control and Promotion Rules-2034 to introduce specific regulations to streamline the redevelopment of older buildings in the airport funnel zone, which is subject to height limitations in Greater Mumbai," the Deputy Chief Minister elaborated.
As a result, a notice of modification will be issued under Section 37(1A) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, he noted.
This modification will support the redevelopment of older structures in the funnel zone and other impacted areas of Greater Mumbai facing similar restrictions, added the Deputy Chief Minister.