Ghaziabad Skyline Set For Change As GDA Allows Extra Floor On Plots

Property in Ghaziabad has seen a healthy appreciation, thanks to the efforts of the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) in putting the infrastructure in place. The Metro rail connectivity has also made this area a hotspot for those looking for places to live in Ghaziabad. Though earlier it was known as the poor cousin of the NCR cities, the skyline has changed dramatically in Ghaziabad's favour. Now, with the GDA's new scheme for homes allowing an extra floor, the city will be in a better position to address the increase in residential requirements.

The building by-laws until the change

• According to the building by-laws that were in existence, builders were not permitted to go beyond three storeys on a plot.

• Also, the existing plot registration could be done only under the name of the first party.

• The previous permissible parking area was a maximum of 25% of the covered building area.

• The building by-laws that are in existence in UP had been applicable to Ghaziabad as well.

The amendments granted

• For a plot in Ghaziabad with an area of 112 sq.m. or more, the UP government has approved the proposal of GDA Ghaziabad to allow up to four storeys, with a maximum of 12 individual units.

• Each residential unit on the plot can be registered separately now. This will also yield higher revenue for GDA.

• To address the issue of increased requirement of parking space, 100% of the covered basement area will now be available for parking.

• GDA officials have also amended the by-laws to allow the NCR Planning Board Act, 1985, to override all other urban development Acts. Now Ghaziabad too will be able to enjoy all the provisions of the NCR regional plan 2041 that other cities had been hitherto enjoying.

Real estate scenario in Ghaziabad

With the urban boom in the NCR region, more and more people are seeking options for affordable flats in Delhi and its outskirts. There is an increase in the requirement of 2BHK flats in Ghaziabad, but the scarcity of land has ensured that the prices are high. With the new by-law to increase the number of storeys on a plot, the GDA has tried to address this problem of providing residential homes in various localities in Ghaziabad.

Not only that, with the rapid concretization of the city, there have been concerns raised over the depleting groundwater levels, increasing temperature and carbon levels. By allowing for vertical growth, they are able to accommodate more people without having to acquire more land.

The builders find that the cost of building comes down marginally with the permit to build an extra floor. This allows them to be in a position to offer affordable flats in Ghaziabad.

With the new by-laws in place, GDA is all set to make Ghaziabad a hub for affordable housing options for the middle-income group.