Maharashtra Eases Open Space Rules for Glass Facades

In a significant policy shift, Maharashtra has amended its urban development regulations to facilitate the construction of glass facade commercial buildings by relaxing the open space requirements. This decision, enacted through a notification by the state’s urban development department on July 1, is largely attributed to lobbying from the real estate advocacy group, CREDAI-MCHI. The new regulations allow developers to consider glass facades as substitutes for natural light and mechanical ventilation, leading to reductions in setback requirements and inter-building distances. This amendment is part of the Development Control Promotion and Regulations (DCPR)-2034, which permits a floor space index (FSI) of up to 5 for commercial constructions.

The rationale behind this regulatory change stems from the financial challenges developers faced while trying to design buildings with high FSI while conforming to stringent open space norms. These norms were often accompanied by considerable premiums for reduced open areas, making the development process more cumbersome. However, this decision has raised alarm among environmentalists and urban planners who argue that it contradicts the government’s climate action objectives, especially in a year marked by severe heatwaves in cities such as Mumbai. Critics contend that such relaxation undermines the principles of sustainable urban planning and may have dire consequences for public health and safety.

Moreover, the decision to diminish open spaces could aggravate existing urban challenges, including limited access for fire engines, decreased groundwater absorption, and increased susceptibility to heat islands and local flooding. This potentially jeopardises the city’s resilience to climate change and could impede efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions. As urban planning continues to evolve, the balance between development and sustainability remains precarious, highlighting the need for comprehensive policies that prioritise both economic growth and environmental stewardship.