BMC chief admits to mistakes in Mumbai’s development plan

The new Development Control and Promotional Regulations (DCPR) 2034 has many errors, contradictions, and is vague, admitted municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta on Friday.

“While going through the DCPR document, I noticed there are some rules that contradict each other. Some regulations are restrictive of other regulations. There are also a lot of errors that the civic body has overlooked,” said Mehta while speaking to architects, engineers and town planners. Mehta said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will address these issues after it receives suggestions and objections.

Members of Practicing Engineers, Architects and Town Planners Association of India (PEATA), at a seminar –‘Impact of the new DCPR on development of Mumbai’– said the new document has reigned in confusion. Yomesh Rao of PEATA said, “There is uncertainty about the DCPR regulations because they are too vague or wordy. Also, the regulations this time are tighter which may lead to a slowdown in growth of the realty sector.” The new DCPR will come into regulation after six months.

However, regulations of the Development Plan (DP) 1991 will be applicable only up to June 21 which is the deadline for filing citizens’ suggestions and objections for the excluded part of the DP and DCPR.

Rao said, “It is unclear which rules will apply for six months after June 21. This can be dangerous towards uncontrolled development.” BMC will issue a circular on Saturday for a plan of action up till June 21. Mehta also said, “BMC will soon issue a chart about what regulations will be applicable for six months before the new DCPR is applicable.”