The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed increase in floor space index (FSI) up to 2 for the re-development of Koliwadas on the lines of Gaothans.

On July 30 this year, the State Urban Development Department had approved the Gaothan re-development policy which allowed an FSI between 1.5 and 2 to re-develop structures in Gaothans.

An FSI of 1.5 is proposed for areas in front of roads with width less than nine metres and 2 for roads more than nine metres wide. At present, FSI in Gaothan areas is 1 in the suburbs and 1.33 in the city.

In 2003, the state government had formed the Afzalpurkar committee to propose modifications in the re-development of Gaothan structures. Following suggestions and objections by people, the committee’s recommendations were approved by the BMC in 2005 and then by the state government in July this year.

There are 189 Gaothans and 32 Koliwadas, which are reminiscent of the old character of Mumbai. The state government had asked the BMC to propose changes in the guidelines that allow re-development of Koliwadas.

Subsequently, the civic administration said that the guidelines and modifications allowed to Gaothans must be applicable to Koliwadas as well. The Development Plan (DP) department then proposed relevant amendments in the Development Control rules.

“The guidelines approved for re-development of structures in Gaothans will also be applicable for Koliwadas,” said chief engineer (DP) Ashok Shintre. Under the proposed policy, houses in Koliwadas can be built up to three storeyes. Commercial exploitation of the land will also be permissible.

At present, there is a stay on granting additional FSI for re-development of structures in Gaothans and Koliwadas. Once this proposal is passed by the Improvement Committee (meeting is scheduled on Tuesday for discussion), it will be sent to the state government for final approval following which permission will be granted for re-development under the new policy.