State to use defunct industry spaces

In a bid to make use of spaces currently used by defunct industries, the urban development department has proposed the conversion of industrial zones into residential and commercial zones, at the time the plots undergo redevelopment.

The regulation, which is applicable under DCR 1991, also mandates that these plots will have to hand over up to 25 per cent of its portion to the BMC, which will either create an open space in its place, or develop public amenities.

The proposal mandates that plots below 2000 square meters will hand over either 10 per cent of its open space or 5 per cent of the built up area to the BMC. While plots ranging from 2,000 square meters to 2 hectares of area will have to hand over 10 per cent of their land to the BMC, which will then be used to create a garden. The remaining plots can be developed for commercial or residential purposes by the civic body. Meanwhile, plots ranging between 2 hectares and 5 hectares will have to hand over 20 per cent of their area and plots of area above 5 hectares will have to hand over about 25 per cent of their land to the civic body. The BMC can then use up to 50 per cent of the portion to develop an open space, and the remaining to develop for public amenities.

An official who did not wish to be named said, “Factory lands are seeing a lot of development. However, if the owners want to redevelop the plot for any other purpose than industrial, they will have to hand over some portion to the BMC.” The official explained that the BMC would decide which public amenity is needed in the surrounding area and accordingly utilise the plot for its development. It may include toilets, parking spots, homeless shelters and likewise.

However, redevelopment of the plot for purposes other than industrial development will be subject to an NOC from the labour commissioner. The official said, “The industry will have to declare itself defunct. It must also have paid all pending dues of the labourers. Only then can other construction on the plot be taken up.”