NOIDA: With commercial units getting two months to shut operation from residential plots in Noida after the Supreme Court order of December 5, the Noida Authority is working on introducing new mixed use schemes for vacant plots in various sectors of the city. The Authority has also called for a meeting of all its project engineers on Friday to “explore the possibility of constructing more floors” in existing market areas. “All project engineers have been directed to inform us of vacant commercial spaces in areas under their respective jurisdiction. The two most viable options present before the Authority now are to a upgrade and utilize available vacant commercial spaces and to increase the FAR of some market areas,” an official said. The Authority is also exploring more “long-term solutions” by making room for mixed land use in some cases in the Master Plan. The Authority now plans to launch mixed use schemes for 200-300 sqm vacant plots “located along wide roads, not falling between houses and residential plots” to facilitate public conveniences in the vicinity of residential areas. Such a scheme will be launched for vacant plots in all areas, including residential and industrial. “The plots that we will identify will have their land use as mixed right from the beginning. Hence, the Authority will not be changing land use, and, thus, the same will not be in violation of the court order,” said chief town planner Rajpal Kaushik. “Mixed-use plots will help people a great deal. The rates for these mixed land use plots will vary depending on their location,” he added. With the current Master Plan of Noida not providing for any commercial use of residential plots, the Supreme Court had pulled up the Noida for brazenly allowing banks, nursing homes and medical clinics to come up on a large scale in residential areas. The Court criticized the Authority for making amendments in the land use through executive orders and notifications, which defeated the object of development.
TNN Dec 9, 2011, 04.29AM IST
