Mumbai: The state urban development department has removed the height restriction for redevelopment and cluster development of buildings near Nehru Centre at Worli, where the observatory is situated, as it was feared that the buildings would come in the way of its observatory functions. Opposition leaders have questioned this sudden change in rules, as they believe that there is some hidden benefit in the deal.
Earlier, the height of the buildings was not permitted in the area around Nehru Centre to go beyond 18.3m in height, but now that won’t be the case. The urban development department’s (UDD) rule included erection, re-erection and development of buildings in the area.
In the latest decision, the UDD said that “restrictions on height spelt out in this regulation in area around Nehru Centre building shall not be applicable for buildings to be constructed for implementation of slum rehabilitation under 33 (10) and 33 (14) of the development control (DC) rule as well as for reconstruction and redevelopment of old buildings undertaken under the DC regulation 33 (7), 33 (9) and 33 (3). However, the height of the buildings shall always be less than 6m than the existing height of the Nehru Centre.” This will allow redevelopment, SRA and construction of buildings under the said regulations only.
An official from the UDD said that the height restriction had been laid considering that the observatory needs clear skyline and even though the height restriction is gone, it will be ensured the view doesn’t suffer.
However, former housing minister Sachin Ahir who hails from the area questioned the sudden change, saying, “The objective of the decision is not clear. If it is for the benefit of the people then it should have been taken earlier. One has to see if the decision has been taken for a few. Also, the area falls under Coastal Regulatory Zone and hence some restrictions about height and construction are already applicable over there,” Ahir said.
