VIJAY Rupani Govt allows the construction of 70-storey plus buildings in Gujarat

BUILDIERS and others concerned have hailed the Gujarat government’s approval for construction of more than 70 storey high rise buildings in five big cities saying construction activities have been adversely affected due to the lockdown following covid-19 pandemic. This sector of the economy was a major job creator and enriches state’s coffers by way of  GST. Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and Gandhinagar can now have tall buildings with a height of 70 storey or more.  Gujarat government said, Dubai and Singapore like skyscrapers and iconic structures will be permitted in these cities. The ceiling of construction till now was 22 to 23 storey buildings. The Government said that vertical development is necessary to ensure optimum use of land in the cities. It said that allowing taller buildings will reduce land cost substantially  and people will have access to affordable houses. The Government has decided to add regulations for tall buildings in presently effective CGDCR-2017. Buildings with a height of over 100 meters will have a fresh set of regulations. As per the revised SOPs, buildings in these cities with a height of between 100 to 150 meters will need to have a plot size of 2,500 square meters. Buildings with a height of over 150 meters will be required to have a plot size of 3,500 square meters. All tall buildings in the state will compulsorily have to be equipped with electric charging facilities in parking spaces besides wind-tunnel test and disaster management plans. Rupani exuded confidence that the new rules will ensure optimum utilisation of land and eventually help in lowering the prices of houses. CM Rupani said skyscrapers would show the state’s mettle in infrastructure. With the construction of the skyscrapers, the state’s urban infrastructure will be able to accommodate the rising population and generate more employment for the dwellers. Provisions for construction of such tall buildings shall be made in the CGDCR-2017, Rupani added. (With PTI inputs)