SDMC guidelines out for regularisation of shop-cum-residence

In a move to provide relief to building owners in getting their buildings regularised or sanctioned, South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has approved new guidelines for regularisation of 'Shop-cum-Residence' (SCR).

Standing Committee Chairperson in SDMC, Shikha Rai said that the implementation of the new guidelines will facilitate regularisation of existing buildings, uniform 300-350 'Floor Area Ratio' (FAR) to the maximum buildings/plots. It will also provide ease in getting sealed properties de-sealed, commercial use of basements and installation of lifts as per existing MPD and prevailing laws, she said.

Rai further said that with the implementation of the new guidelines maximum woes and difficulties of the building owners would become part of the history and this will pave a path for planned growth in the city.

While elaborating background, Rai peeped into the earlier history which became instrumental in giving a practical shape to the new guidelines after a policy notified by the union urban development ministry, proposals of the building department scrutinized and approved by the 'Lay Out Scrutiny Committee'.

She added that earlier FAR 180 used to be allowed in Shop cum Residential -SCR plots where commercial activity was allowed at GF and residential use in the two upper floors. After notification of the first Master Plan of Delhi 1962(MPD 1962) the MCD used to regularise/sanction as per the standard plan prepared/ approved by the architecture department of the MCD, Rai said.

Rai said that a few SCRs were mentioned as 'Local Shopping Center' in MPD 2001 though MCD used to sanction as per the existing standard plan. On notification of the third MPD in 2007 pre-1962 colonies were allowed residential FAR.  Meanwhile, Monitoring Committee appointed by Supreme Court started sealing action in areas of Defence Colony Market, Nizamuddin Market, Hauz Khas, Bali Nagar, Rajouri Garden and other markets and sealed 921properties.

The Chairperson added that in order to rectify the discrepancies the Union UD Ministry notified a policy on 21st June 2018 to simplify the process of regularization/sanction and overcome the difficulties being faced by the building owners in the city.