Citizen groups demand immediate reforms in Premium FAR implementation

Citizen groups have called for urgent reforms in the implementation of the Premium Floor Area Ratio policy, citing concerns over its impact on the city’s infrastructure. They are demanding a Revised Master Plan that aligns Premium FAR with the city’s actual capacity, transparency in pricing, and reinvestment of funds into urban improvements, a booklet put together by civic groups have said. The Premium FAR policy, introduced through the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 2020, allows developers to construct additional built-up areas by paying a premium fee. Critics point out that the policy permits Premium FAR even on roads as narrow as nine metres, contradicting national urban norms that require a minimum road width of 18 metres for such developments. Developers are also raising concerns over the mandatory integration of Transferable Development Rights with Premium FAR, which they claim limits flexibility and affects property valuations, civic groups have said.