Easing of Green Norms: A Green Signal for High-Rise Apartments?
Boost to Real Estate Construction on the Horizon
The environment ministry is planning to ease green norms, which could lead to the construction of more high-rise buildings on smaller roads and streets in cities. This development is set to make it easier for real estate developers to build taller or multi-story buildings, overcoming previous limitations.
Existing Green Norms: A Barrier to High-Rise Construction
- Height Restrictions: Previously, the height of a building was determined by its proximity to the nearest fire station, among other factors.
- Road Width Requirements:
- 60-metered buildings: Required a 30 m or above wide road and a fire station within 2 kilometers.
- 45-60 m buildings: Needed a 24 m connecting road.
- 30-45 m tall buildings: Required an 18 m wide connecting road.
- Additional Clearances: Builders had to obtain a Non-Objection Clearance Certificate (NOC) from the state fire department and the state disaster management authorities.
Committee Review for Regulatory Ease
A committee, headed by Planning Commission member K Kasturirangan, has been established to review and potentially revise the existing regulations in favor of the real estate sector. This move is also set to impact regulations applicable to roads and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Implications of Eased Green Norms
- Potential Boost to Real Estate Construction
- Increased High-Rise Buildings in Cities
- Simplified Regulatory Framework for Developers