The BMC recently modified the Development Corporation (DC) Rules of 1991 granting unlimited FSI for the redevelopment of old properties. However, this modification is applicable to authorised chawls only. Chawl residents have two options: Either to regularise their mezzanine floors or get their chawl redeveloped as per recommendations made by the D M Sukhtankar committee, appointed by the state government to study the redevelopment of chawls in the city.

Sukhtankar had suggested that residents unite and get their property developed from a builder. While each of them would be entitled to a minimum of 225 sq ft, they would also have to bear costs, depending on the development. Very fewproperties have been redeveloped in this manner.

Now, the state government has now written to the BMC to modify section 35(2)(C) of the DC rules recognising mezzanine floors. However, the mezzanine floor area will not be included while calculating the FSI for the tenement. The major hitch in approving the regularisation of mezzanine floors, an official told Express Newsline, was that after regularisation, the residents would demand more area for their flats. The proposal will have to be approved by the Mayor-in-Council.

The issue of regularising lofts and mezzanine floors has been pending with the state government for over a year now. In the corporation's general body meeting on August 14 on the occasion of 50 years of independence, corporators from various parties had announced this decision. Later, they also sent a proposal to the state government for clearance. Thinking that the government would give the proposal the go-ahead, the BMC had even made provisions for the revenue expected from themove - Rs 58 crore - in its budget estimate. But the then Chief Minister Manohar Joshi had refused to approve the proposal, saying the manner in which it was processed was wrong.

After the MiC approves the proposal, the corporation will now invite suggestions and objections from the public. Then, the state government will finally clear the proposal under section 37(II) of the DC regulations.