Amidst opposition protests, the Karnataka government passed the Karnataka Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill. This bill allows developers to construct more floors on a plot by paying a premium. While developers see this as positive, experts worry about the strain on existing infrastructure in cities like Bengaluru.
The amendment requires developers to pay 40 percent of the guidance value as a premium for additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR), determining the number of floors allowed on a plot. Premium FAR cannot exceed 60 percent of the permissible limit.
The Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, highlighted the revenue generation potential of the move. However, experts fear increased strain on infrastructure.
The premium collected must be used for land acquisition and public infrastructure, not maintenance.
Developers see this as beneficial for both builders and buyers, reducing financial burdens and allowing for more high-rise development.
Experts caution that the move could strain stormwater drains, traffic, parking, and sewage networks due to increased population density.
While the amendment could help regulate building violations, there are concerns about misuse by developers, risking existing buyers’ ownership.
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