Pune: The Camp area in the cantonment limits is known for its unique cultural and architectural character. A stroll here reveals decades-old traditional markets, bakeries, Iranian eateries and distinctive old homes. Several properties retain wooden structures and aesthetic features dating back to the British era.
The Union ministry of defence (MoD) has approved an increase in Floor Space Index (FSI) from 1 to 2 for civilian areas under Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), paving the way for larger redevelopment of ageing residential and commercial properties in Camp. Records say over 3,000 cases of unauthorised construction are pending before PCB and Principal Directorate of Defence Estates, Southern Command. “The ministry introduced FSI restrictions for civil pockets in 1984 and the battle has continued since then. Properties constructed before 1984 have different provisions allowing them to use higher FSI, while many later properties have remained restricted.
“We could not initiate reconstruction work due to the lack of FSI and did not even submit our plan to PCB as we were aware we could get trapped in a legal case.
It is a big relief for many like me,” said an owner of a property on Taboot Street in old Camp. “We have been issuing notices to such violators regularly and hearings are pending at various levels,” said a senior official from PCB’s engineering department. Some are mired in prolonged owner-tenant disputes,” said a senior engineering department official, adding, “Now, an owner could construct a building of up to four floors, depending on the height of each floor. It would also mean additional income for the board, as these properties could come on record and become liable for property tax,” said former vice-president of PCB Dilip Giramkar. Activist Rajabhau Chavan said, “The ministry should have taken this FSI decision a decade ago. This hampered real estate development in cantonment areas,” said Giramkar. This decision is critical for us and the people as it will change the entire face of the civil pockets of the area,” said a senior official from the Directorate General of Defence Estates, New Delhi.
These charming localities could now be headed for a major construction makeover. We kept waiting for the new FSI permission. The lack of development potential has also contributed to unauthorised construction in the area. “Many houses in Camp’s civil pockets are decades old and dilapidated. As per the rules, the overall height cannot exceed 16m. “Thousands of such properties will organically benefit from additional FSI and may become legal. It would have been a major relief. “There is no clarity on the excision from the state and the ministry. Discussions take place but no move has been made yet.
The additional space means they can accommodate tenants and use part of the property themselves. ” FSI increase could also impact properties where owners have already undertaken construction beyond earlier permissible limits.