Gujarat Approves Construction Of Buildings Of Over 70 Floors – Free PDF

• The Gujarat government has initiated plans to allow buildings 100 m high or more in five cities:-
• Ahmedabad,
• Gandhinagar,
• Surat,
• Rajkot and
• The Urban Development and Urban Housing Department issued a notification incorporating a new chapter in the Comprehensive General Development Control Regulations (CGDCR)-2017 and
• Invited public suggestions and objections within 60 days.

Current height restriction?

• The limit was 45 m during 2001 (Kutch earthquake) and then raised to 70 m (22-23 floors) in 2017.
• The new policy allows builders to go as high they wish, provided a road at least 30 m wide adjoins the plot and they have an airport no-objection
• If a builder has a 2,500 sq.m. plot, the maximum height can be 150 m.
• If the plot is 3,500 sq. m, he or she can build to any height.

How come 70 floors?

• Skyscrapers can come up in zones that have an FSI (Floor Space Index) more than 1.2.
• The changes permit a total FSI up to 5.4

• Let say, your zone FSI is 2 and the plot area is 4000 sq.m.
• Now you can build (4000*2 ) 8000 sq.m. covered area on your land.
• It can be either 4 floors of 2000 m. or 8 floors of 1000 sq.m.

What is the need for the move?

• “The government does not intend to change the entire skyline in these cities.
• The main intent is to attract some iconic buildings in these cities.
• We are sure this move will help attract FDI in real-estate,” said Prakash Datta, Deputy Secretary and Officer on Special Duty in the department.
• Another reason cited by officials is that urban land is getting scarce and that “horizontal development of cities need more land, which is getting expensive by the day”.

Will it bring down housing cost?

• The government has said tall buildings will help bring down the cost of housing.
• But the builders say construction will be
• “Skyscrapers are usually meant for luxurious residences and commercial structures. Even maintenance costs are high,”
• Experts say, the primary costs in constructing a tall building are foundation and labour.
• The higher the floors, the more the cost.
• For instance, as the structure rises, windows will need thicker and thicker glass.
• Labour costs increase after every fifth or sixth floor by 5-7%.
• In most cities, where land rates are very high, skyscrapers are in demand.
• Other factors like scenic views and pollution play a role.

How earthquake concerns are being addressed?

• The CGDCR mandates that proposed tall buildings will have to follow the National Building Code which lays down design guidelines for construction in seismically active
• A Special Technical Committee will be formed with experts in structural engineering and soil mechanics who will examine each project proposal.

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