Builders just pay BBMP to eat up open spaces
BBMP give an option to the builders either leave open spaces or pay market value
As if the dwindling tree cover is not enough, it is an open invitation to expand the concrete jungle that Bangalore is becoming. The BBMP has given an option to the builders of apartment complexes either leave 10% for open spaces or pay market value of that portion of the plot.
And which developer worth his greedy salt will not find Option #1 attractive — all he has to do is pay the civic body and go ahead with further construction. The order which makes this possible was issued by former BBMP commissioner Bharat Lala Meena. It reads: “In view of the fact that several of the lands notified under the masterplan of 2015 as parks and open spaces are privately held, it is necessary to acquire or purchase such lands to develop parks. From the financial point of view of this authority, large-scale acquisition or land purchase and its development would be cumbersome. Hence for all plots less than 20,000 sq m (residential apartments) and all plots less than 12,000 sq m (commercial usage), if the developer does not agree to reserve 10% towards parks and open spaces, approval will be granted if the developer deposits amount equivalent to the guidance value of the area to be reserved and relinquished.’’
With Meena being transferred out to BDA, the BBMP is left to face the music. “We had issued demand notices to some developers and they have approached the courts. Initially, the court ordered the developers to pay only 25% of the demand raised. What we collect from the developers will be invested into park development elsewhere,’’ says BBMP special commissioner K R Niranjan.
The order also stated that in respect of building approvals granted between March 10, 2006 and June 25, 2007, demand notices be issued for the recovery of the guidance value of lands and amounts be collected. In January the BBMP issued demand notices to nearly 50 developers. The builders, backed by the Confederation of Real Estate and Developers’ Associations challenged it in the high court that quashed the demand notices.
The court observed that the notification issued by the state government granting powers to BBMP to sanction licence for residential and commercial usage (5 and 3 acres respectively) had not been gazetted. Hence, the BBMP had no authority to issue demand notices.
Where does this money go?
The BBMP has to deposit the penalty amount in a dedicated account and the money utilised for the acquisition, purchase and development of land notified as parks and open spaces in tune with the revised Master Plan.
Courtesy: bangaloremirror.com
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