Property developers and landowners in Gurugram are urging the state government to reinstate a policy allowing the construction of four-floor buildings before Diwali, as approvals for such projects have been on hold for eight months. The suspension came following protests by residents who argued that these "builder floors" were overburdening resources and infrastructure in already densely populated areas. The Gurgaon Home Developers and Plot Owners' Association contends that these builder floors cater to individuals with limited budgets and generate substantial revenue for the state. Despite the revenue generated, the government is yet to make a decision on the policy's future.
Developers and residential plot owners in Gurugram are urging the government to reinstate its previous policy allowing the construction of four-floor buildings before Diwali. This request comes after the government suspended approvals for new four-floor building plans in residential areas due to protests by residents who claimed these "builder floors" were straining resources and infrastructure in already densely populated colonies. The Gurgaon Home Developers and Plot Owners' Association (GHDPA) is calling for the policy to be reinstated, as it offers housing options for those with limited budgets and has been a significant source of revenue for the state.
The government-appointed committee, led by retired IAS officer P. Raghavendra Rao, submitted its report to the chief minister in June, but no decision has been made regarding the policy. This delay has left plot owners unable to commence construction, causing uncertainty for both builders and prospective homebuyers. The association highlights the importance of builder floors in meeting housing needs and the negative impact on homebuyers due to the policy suspension.
A senior official from the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) responded to the demand, stating that while the committee has submitted its report, they are still awaiting a final response from higher authorities. The policy allowing the construction of fourth floors was introduced in 2016, with independent floor registrations permitted three years later. According to government sources, the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) sold over a thousand plots via e-auction in Gurgaon alone, based on a floor area ratio (FAR) of four floors with stilt parking.
The expert panel's report, developed after consultations with resident welfare associations (RWAs), developers, government officials, and independent experts, recommended revisions to the Haryana Building Code, 2017. It emphasized the need to address ground coverage, FAR, and structural safety concerns while proposing mechanisms to deter misuse of stilt areas and mitigate parking problems.
One resident opposing the policy argued that four-floor buildings have strained civic infrastructure and caused inconvenience to existing residents. They stressed the importance of thoroughly evaluating the pros and cons before making a decision on the policy's reinstatement.
In light of these developments, stakeholders in Gurugram continue to press for a resolution that allows the construction of four-floor buildings, emphasizing the policy's contribution to affordable housing options and the local economy. While the government awaits a final response from higher authorities, the uncertainty surrounding builder floors in Gurugram persists, leaving many in limbo. The issue of resource strain and infrastructure management remains at the forefront of this debate, with residents, developers, and plot owners seeking a balanced solution that accommodates the city's growth while maintaining quality of life for its residents.
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