The draft categorises permissible FSI into four slabs—1.25, 1.5, 1.75, and 2—instead of extending a uniform FSI of 2 to all properties in the civil pockets under Pune Cantonment Board. Residents stated that this graded approach could leave property owners in certain areas with limited scope to reconstruct or expand their ageing houses, thereby defeating the purpose of revising the building regulations
Many owners have held back due to a lack of clarity on FSI and other complications, including legal battles with tenants. Because there is no clarity on certain aspects.
It should be public-friendly,” said Vinod Mathurawala, former vice president of PCB. This is a shocking step,” said activist Rajabhau Chavan. “The Sumit Bose committee on cantonment reforms had recommended that FSI in civilian areas be aligned with that of neighbouring municipal corporations—a recommendation that has yet to translate into relief for residents,” said another former member of PCB. The plan is to approve FSI based on the size of the land plot, according to sources. That appears to be the primary intention of the ministry,” a senior official from the Directorate General of Defence Estates said . Sachin Mathurawala, the nominated member, said, “We will soon submit our objections and suggestions to it.
“FSI has been a core issue for the cantonment over the last few years. “Hundreds of properties are decades old and urgently need to be redeveloped. If they receive a higher FSI, many could settle these legal disputes and proceed with plot redevelopment. However, this draft bylaw clearly indicates that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) does not want to resolve the issue. It only creates more confusion and complicates the process for the general public. “The FSI will be lower for larger land plots. This is intended to control vertical growth in the Camp area. Consequently, the draft bylaws will not allow property owners to opt for large-scale construction. The bylaws are crucial for the overall development of the cantonment limit.”