Advertisement
What really powers the cloud? Behind every Google search, A...
A lot of what defines a home isn’t visible at handover. I...
Private equity has played a significant role in shaping Indi...
Luxury real estate is one of the most talked-about segments ...
Airports play a much bigger role than just enabling travel -...
The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to ban new residential and commercial construction within 200 metres of the Ganga River to curb pollution and unregulated urban expansion. Draft building byelaws allow limited religious structures like ashrams and temples under strict conditions-35% ground coverage and a FAR of 1.5. Existing buildings can be repaired or renovated with ecological safeguards. Property owners must pledge proper waste and construction material disposal. The move aligns with UP's broader plan to promote industrial growth via revised FAR norms up to 4.5 for certain sectors, balancing ecological conservation with urban development across Ganga towns.
The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to ban construction activities within 200 metres of the riverbank to protect the sanctity and ecology of the Ganga River. This development marks a significant step in the state's efforts to prevent pollution and regulate urban expansion near one of India's holiest rivers. Advertisement
The proposed building byelaws, expected to be notified soon, clearly outline the types of permissible construction near the river-a major improvement from the previous legal grey area in many Ganga towns. While new residential or commercial buildings will be restricted within this buffer zone, the byelaws do permit construction of ashrams, monasteries, and temples at major pilgrimage sites, albeit with strict conditions. These include a maximum ground coverage of 35% and a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) capped at 1.5.
For instance, on a 5,000 sq ft plot, the maximum built-up area can be up to 7,500 sq ft with a FAR of 1.5. Existing structures will be allowed to undergo repair, renovation, and conservation. However, any construction must not lead to pollution of the Ganga. Property owners are required to submit an undertaking ensuring proper disposal of building material and compliance with wastewater discharge norms.
The new draft guidelines also clarify that similar restrictions may be imposed near other rivers in the state, especially in cases where construction activity has been regulated by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) or courts. As part of a broader vision for urban and industrial development, the UP government is also revising FAR and building height norms. For residential, group housing, and commercial properties, FAR ranges between 1.5 and 3, while for certain industries, the government has allowed FAR up to 4.5, promoting vertical development and efficient land use.
This aligns with the 33 sectoral policies launched by the UP government to attract investment and boost industrial growth, offering incentives and exemptions for business owners and entrepreneurs. The UP government's decision to ban construction near the Ganga is a welcome move in balancing ecological conservation with urban planning. With clearer guidelines, the state aims to preserve the river's purity while promoting sustainable development across sectors.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
