According to a report released by the United Nation's World Urbanization Prospect, the current population of Mumbai is over twelve million. Out of this, only a small fraction can afford to stay in proper housing. Others stay in poorly developed, unsafe homes with inadequate amenities. Under such circumstances, the Development Plan (DP) 2034 with its focus on Affordable Housing seems to provide some respite.

The revised and approved Mumbai Development Plan (DP) 2014-2034 was announced on 23rd April 2018.

Extra FSI

One of the most important provisions of the DP has been the increase in the Floor Space Index (FSI). FSI, in layman terms, is the total amount of area (on all floors) you can build upon a plot. It is the ratio between built-up area to the area of the plot. Hence, more FSI would mean increased construction rights for many projects. FSI for commercial properties has been raised up to 5 from 1.33, while for residential properties it has been raised to 3 from 1.33. In the suburbs, residential projects now enjoy an FSI of 2.5 (against an earlier index of 2), while commercial projects will have an FSI of 5. Increased FSI will enable vertical growth of buildings; a taller building will accommodate more people. However, builders also need to conform to infrastructural norms such as telecom connectivity, waste disposal, water supply, sewerage etc. while making such extensions.

The DP has also revised the method of calculation of FSI. Earlier, FSI was calculated after reducing 15% of the plot area for residents' recreational activities. But, the revised plan proposes calculation of the FSI on the basis of the entire plot.

Affordable Housing

The DP aims to create 8 million jobs and 1 million affordable houses to cater to the needs of the middle and lower-middle class groups. To achieve this, the plan proposes to use 3,734 hectares of public and privately owned lands which are currently no-development zones (NDZ). Another proposal is to use salt pan lands for affordable housing. But, there are speculations by activists that the city could become prone to flooding if these pan lands, which hold water during the monsoon, are utilized for construction.

In any city, it is important to have amenities like schools, playgrounds, parks etc. For this, the plan proposes 1.57 square metres per capita for educational facilities. However, this is not according to the guidelines of the Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) of 3.58 square metres.

With a more holistic view, the DP has made provisions for social amenities also, like old age homes, shelters for the homeless and multi-purpose housing centres exclusively for women.

Designated Natural Spaces

The plan also designates 12,859 hectares as "natural space" where no construction would be allowed unless the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) permits. According to a report by the Economic Times, Nitin Kareer, secretary of the urban development department, said that maximum stress has been put on making more open space available.

The MMRDA has handed over 114 hectares of land over to the BMC who will develop these areas in Kurla, Andheri West and Bandra West. The DP also proposes the allocation of 405 square feet for the housing of Textile Mill workers. According to ET's report, Ajoy Mehta, Municipal Commissioner, BMC, said the plan included provisions for accommodating Koliwadas, the original inhabitants of Mumbai. Roads and buildings to be designed for differently abled as part of the plan.

Mumbai Port Trust

While the revised DP has been able to cater to many sections of real estate in Mumbai, it has not covered the Mumbai Port trust land which awaits transformation into a commercial waterfront. It has been said that a special planning authority would take charge of the Port trust and implement a separate plan. Pranay Vakil, former chairman, Knight Frank, said the development on the port area should be for and by the citizens of Mumbai.

Certain provisions of the plan are still a reason for discord among the locals. One such provision is the allotment of some part of Aarey colony for Metro car shed. After the release of the plan by the government, activists have appealed to the court to challenge the decision of the government to use a part of the land for parking space. They believe by constructing a parking space, the government is enhancing its plan to commercially exploit the colony.

Freedom to change interiors

The revised DP has provisions for home-owners that enable them to make changes in the interiors of their homes, provided they don't damage the structural stability of the building.

Although the plan has gained approval, its execution still remains a challenge. BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta revealed that the 1991 Development plan could be achieved only partially (about 20%). Proposals relating to the creation of affordable housing and jobs are well-intended and much needed. Therefore, quick and efficient execution of this development plan could provide great relief to people.