GUDA Ahemedabad to reserve 5 percent of Land for Middle-class Housing
Houses for the middle-income group will have a wall-to-wall carpet area of up to 816 square feet, a preferred standard measurement approved by the Union ministry of housing. If one calculates the additional super built-up area, it would be 1,101 square feet.The municipal corporation or urban development authorities deduct 40% from a land owner for civic services. This includes 15% for roads; 5% for open spaces and gardens; 5% for social infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and post-offices. The remaining 15% is reserved in equal measure for sale for residential, commercial and industrial purposes.
Gandhinagar Urban Development Authority (GUDA) has suggested that 5% of 40% land that the government mandatorily takes from all properties – for social and civic infrastructure - be reserved for middle-class housing. The buyer will bear just the construction cost for such apartments and would be able to forget about the land cost. This arrangement is equivalent to slashing a good 60% from the present cost of a 2-BHK apartment.
GUDA has reasoned that spiraling costs are squashing the hopes of many prospective home buyers in the middle-class segment who have a buying capacity between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 20 lakh. A random draw can then be carried out for the allotment of these houses.
Officials have also suggested that given the prevalent land availability between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, a cluster of 5,000 houses can be made. “The construction can be based on a PPP model. This way, prices would ebb and not be a burden for the developer,” adds the official.
“We have suggested that 5% land reserved for industrial purpose be set aside for middle-class housing as there is hardly any industrial development between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar,” the official said. “The second suggestion is to deduct 45% land instead of 40% from the land owner, but allow the owner an FSI on the original 40% deduction. This way, the owner will not have to compromise on his rightful FSI.” GUDA has sent the suggestion to the town-planning committee appointed by the urban development department.
Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad real estate, Carpet area, Gandhinagar Urban Development Authority, GUDA, GUDA Ahmedabad, Middle class housing, middle class income group, Prospective home buyers, Union ministry of housing
