The Haryana government, on July 1, 2024, announced that the construction of stilt plus four floors in some residential sectors would be given permission. This is allowed in sectors, where the layout plan supports the building of four housing units per plot.
What is the stilt-plus-four floors policy?
By amending the Haryana Building Code 2017, the state government has introduced the stilt-plus-four-floors policy. Under this policy, people were allowed to construct buildings with four floors on top of the ground floor marked for car parking (stilt). In 2018, the state started registering the fourth floor as a separate housing unit.
However, in 2023, the government had stopped giving approvals owing to protests by RWAs. These were lodged after permissions given by the government to sectors falling under the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP). A committee was set up to enquire about the issues.
Where is the stilt-plus-four-floors policy allowed?
With the reinstatement, developers will have the permit for construction to accommodate either four dwelling units per plot or three dwelling units per plot adjoining 10-meter roads, as and where the design layout plans allowed, with adherence to specific dimensions to ensure adequate aeration and sunlight. Also, it depends on mutual consent of allottees owning neighbouring plots.
This policy also applies to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Jan Awas Yojana colonies, where the plan approves the construction of four dwelling units on a plot.
What happens if neighbours don’t give consent?
As the project requires mutual consent, implementation may get delayed. According to media reports, if neighbours don’t give consent, they will not be eligible to implement this policy.
Stilt-plus-four floors policy: Advantages
- Housing supply to increase: With this, the demand and supply ratio will be in tandem, catering to a large population.
- Property prices to get stable: With an increase in inventory, the prices will be stable.
Aman Sarin, director and chief executive officer, Anant Raj, said, “The Haryana government’s decision to permit the construction of four floors with stilt is a welcome move and will further boost the confidence and open multiple options in the growing real estate market in Haryana. This policy change is expected to significantly boost the supply of builder floors, which are in high demand. The decision is also likely to stabilise the rising property prices. Consequently, homebuyers stand to benefit from more options at low price, potentially more affordable and mid-segment housing units.”
Pradeep Aggarwal, founder and chairman, Signature Global (India), said, “The decision, based on expert committee recommendations, shows prudent forethought by the policymakers. Complying with the Haryana Building Code, this will be a win-win situation for both developers and the state government, as the funds from infrastructure augmentation will go a long way to bolster urban infrastructure. We are confident that the policy to reinstate the construction of stilt-plus-four floors in the residential sector will help to increase housing stocks and bolster premium quality residential development across Haryana. This decision marks a significant step towards addressing the state’s housing needs and has the potential to increase housing options and enhance urban living standards while incorporating a sustainable approach towards responsible infrastructure development.”
Challenges
- Shared resources, such as water, electricity, and sewage system will be used by more people.
- Increase traffic and pollution.
Both these problems can be addressed by proper planning and construction.
How can violators legalise the project?
The policy was on hold for 16 months. However, there have been instances where people have yet to approve the layout plan. Violators who have constructed more floors in buildings without an approved layout can regularise it by paying a penalty 10 times the rate for raising the building.
Latest news
August 12, 2024:
No permission to be granted till September 9: Harayana govt to High Court
On August 6, 2024, the Haryana government assured the Punjab and Haryana High Court that no new building plans under the ‘stilt-plus-four’ scheme will be permitted until next hearing on Sept 9.
The Haryana government told a Bench consisting of Justice Arun Palli and Justice Vikram Aggarwal that a committee of experts had been formed ans the scheme was rolled out after ensuring strict measures. Several citizen groups have challenged this town and planning department’s initiative.
Housing.com POV
The Haryana government has amended the Haryana Building Code 2017 and implemented the stilt plus four floors policy. This will address the housing demand in the state. The government should identify the challenges associated with it, such as the pressure on available resources, and adopt methods to address them.
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