Bengaluru’s skyline ambitions have hit a roadblock as Karnataka’s Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot has withheld assent to the state government’s proposed legislation on ‘premium’ floor area ratio (FAR), citing multiple concerns and queries. The Karnataka Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill, aimed at generating additional revenue through increased high-rise constructions, has been awaiting Governor Gehlot’s approval for the past four months. Sources close to the matter reveal that the delay stems from the Governor’s reservations regarding the bill’s coherence with existing provisions, particularly those related to transferable development rights (TDR).
Key among the Governor’s concerns is the rationale behind fixing 40% of the guidance value as the threshold for allowing additional floors, which he finds ambiguous and potentially detrimental to urban planning strategies.
Despite efforts by the Urban Development Department (UDD) to address these queries, the recent change in leadership within the department may have further slowed down the process of resolving these regulatory uncertainties.
The Karnataka Assembly had passed the amendment bill amidst opposition protests in February, aiming to bolster revenue streams for developmental projects, as articulated by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. However, dissenting voices, including former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, cautioned against the potential negative impact on Bengaluru’s quality of life.
In response to the prolonged delay in receiving the Governor’s assent, the state government hastily issued notifications amending existing rules to temporarily permit premium FAR construction, pending formal legislative approval. Government sources indicate that until the new legislation is ratified, the Karnataka Planning Authorities (Amendment) Rules, 2024, remain inactive, awaiting clarity from the Governor’s office.
Officials from the UDD and Governor’s office have confirmed ongoing discussions to resolve outstanding queries, emphasizing the need for comprehensive checks and balances before implementation. In the interim, Bengaluru’s civic body, BBMP, had earmarked a revenue target of Rs 500 crore from premium FAR in its 2024-25 budget, positioning it as a more accessible revenue generation tool compared to the cumbersome TDR scheme.
While concerns persist about the potential redundancy of TDR under the new regime, the government has affirmed its intention to integrate both mechanisms for larger development projects, assuring stakeholders of a balanced approach to urban planning and revenue enhancement.
The evolving landscape of Karnataka’s urban development policy underscores the critical role of transparent governance and stakeholder consultation in navigating complex regulatory frameworks, ensuring sustainable growth while safeguarding public interest and urban livability.
