Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
Former MP of North Mumbai, Gopal Shetty, has written a letter to Aseem Gupta, Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department, demanding that open plots under the jurisdiction of municipal corporations also be granted the required and increased Floor Space Index (FSI) for sports projects.
In his letter, public representative Gopal Shetty emphasized that a progressive state like Maharashtra must bring about positive changes in sports infrastructure and policies to align with the central government’s sports policy. Considering the rapidly growing population of a metropolis like Mumbai, there is a clear shortage of adequate sports facilities. Particularly concerning is the 2034 DCPR (Development Control and Promotion Regulation), under which the FSI for developing sports facilities on open plots under municipal jurisdiction has been reduced to zero — a move Shetty described as both unfortunate and surprising.
Previously, such plots were eligible for a 15% FSI concession with the use of just 10% of the land. Now, with this concession revoked, the potential for new sports projects has been significantly reduced. Shetty pointed out that while the general FSI has doubled in the current context, the FSI for sports has not been increased accordingly — in fact, what existed earlier has now been eliminated, as if Mumbai has no pressing need for sports development.
Citing an example, he stated that Sunil Rathod, Chief Engineer of the Municipal Corporation’s Chief Development Department, often issues intent reservations, but despite the willingness of the Commissioner and the administration, important sports projects are pending due to the lack of positive reports from his office. This, Shetty noted, is a serious matter, and such neglect from a senior officer is highly regrettable.
Shetty concluded by urging that the necessary FSI for sports projects on open plots under municipal jurisdiction be re-approved. He suggested that this limit should be at least doubled, taking into account the changing times and the growing population, so that the new generation in Mumbai can have access to adequate play areas. He appreciated the decision to allow development on reserved plots with private developers using a 70:30 formula and insisted that the same progressive outlook should be applied to lands owned by the municipal corporation for the development of sports facilities.
Gopal Shetty Demands Increased FSI Approval for Sports Projects on Open Plots Under Municipal Jurisdiction
