In an effort to boost revenue of the state, the urban development department has allowed residential development in agriculture and no development zones only after they pay a premium of 30 per cent. The new rule is applicable for Raigad, Nagpur, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Akoka-Washim, Aurangabad and Amaravati. Sources in the urban development department said the decision would help the most in land development in Navi Mumbai airport area in Raigad district.
It is being said that the decision taken by the urban development department, headed by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, was to increase the revenue and allow more development in two-tier cities apart from Mumbai. It is also an initiative to simplify land convergence process in other cities than Mumbai where local developers are ready to invest.
The notification dated January 7 stated, “Residential development in agriculture/no development zone shall be permitted based on latest census population only on payment of premium of the total area of land. Such premium shall be calculated considering 30 per cent rate of the said land as prescribed in the annual statement of rate of the year granting such residential developments.” The notification further said that the residential and non-agricultural development except industries to be permitted in and around gaothan boundaries. Within gaothan, new construction or reconstruction of buildings should be restricted to maximum one third the converge of the plot area with maximum of ground plus to storey structure.
A gaothan is a portion of the land of the village that is ordinarily used for settlement. “Gaothan” or “village site” means the land included within the site of a village, town or city. The new rules are slightly different for different areas but the main emphasis is on allowing development. The notification further added, “Residential development may be permitted within a belt of 1 km from the gaothan boundary of settlement having population of less than 5,000 as per 2001 census.
During the first 10 years from the date of coming into force of this regional plan, development may be permitted in the first 500m belt around the gaothan boundary and in the next 10 years, in the 500m.” The area near Navi Mumbai airport can have greater advantage due to the decision, as the no development zone can be converted easily for residential purpose, an official from the UD said.
