Multi-storeyed buildings zones in other cities to be studied
This proposal was placed in the Corporation Council on September 11 for its approval.But, it ran into resistance from a section of the councillors, chiefly those belonging to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and those in the Town Planning Committee.The members wanted to know why the proposal was placed in the Council directly without routing it through the committee.
When they alleged attempts to get approval for the proposal without discussions involving elected representatives, Corporation Commissioner Anshul Mishra explained that it was placed in the Council only to enable all the councillors to take part in the discussion on the proposal.Mr. Mishra also pointed out that this was not the final list and that the suggestions of the councillors could be considered.This was why the proposal was placed in the Council, he said.The Commissioner also said that a survey could be done to identify more places that could be added to the list.The Commissioner of Town Planning in Chennai had in a letter to the Commissioner said that all areas along 60 ft roads could be declared MSB zones.
This decision was taken following a representation from the Coimbatore Property Developers’ Association.The Commissioner of Town Planning had asked the Corporation Commissioner to submit a list of such roads. Accordingly, the Corporation identified 64 roads. These included key roads such as Tiruchi Road, Cross-Cut Road, D.B. Road, 100 Feet Road, Thadagam Road, Perur Road, Sivananda Colony Road, Dr. Nanjappa Road, State Bank Road, V.K.K. Menon Road, Raja Street and Pollachi Road.
The Residents’ Awareness Association of Coimbatore (RAAC) has welcomed the Government decision to permit multi-storeyed buildings zones.Honorary secretary of RAAC R.R. Balasundaram said that since its inception, RAAC had been requesting the Corporation, Local Planning Authority and the State Government to permit multi-storeyed buildings only along roads that were 40 ft wide and above.
“In this regard, we have prepared a detailed draft building rules and submitted these to the Government. But, till date no steps have been taken on the revised DCR and Master Plan for Coimbatore, which are a need of the hour,” he said.“We welcome this announcement and request the [Corporation] Commissioner not to permit construction on narrow roads. We also request the Government to publish the new DCR and Master Plan for Coimbatore after getting public opinion,” Mr. Balasundaram said.
