The icing on the cake

Since a major focus of the real estate activities in coming days is expected to be in the extended areas of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), a decision has been made to reduce the developmental charges in these areas by 75 per cent.

The recently constituted HMDA in its first meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who also is the HMDA Chairman, reviewed the issue of developmental charges for the extended area and decided to reduce it by 75 per cent here on the rates prescribed in G.O.Ms.No. 439 dated June 13, 2007 of Municipal Administration and Urban Development.
More teeth

The meeting also discussed and decided on delegation of development control powers to the local bodies. For properties coming in the HMDA area, it is decided to delegate these powers to the Commissioner, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. All residential, institutional, commercial building permissions below 18 metres height (non multi-storied building) and issue of No Objection Certificate to the Commissioners of Sangareddy and Bhongiri Municipality while grant of residential building up to G+2 on plot area up to 1,000 sq. mts to the Panchayat Secretary/Executive Officers of Village Panchayats in HMDA.

The HMDA Board decided to adopt the concept of Green Channel for speedy approval of Building Permissions and Layouts.

As per this, non-MSB cases would be cleared in six working days and applications coming through this channel would be liable for charging special fee.
Incentives

The meeting reviewed the progress of work in preparation of Master Plan for HMDA extended area and observed Transportation Plan, Environmental Development Plan should be given importance along with land use zoning plan. The need for additional Railway passenger terminals and freight terminals was also highlighted and the Chairman also directed to provide duct along the roads for utilities. He also instructed to check the feasibility of providing gas pipeline in the duct. The HMDA also directed Metropolitan Commissioner that suitable incentives are worked out to encourage builders in taking up buildings as per the Green Building Code.

While sanctioning Rs.100 crore for the new HMDA building at Hitech City, the Board also approved four zonal offices and eight service centres.

While the zonal offices are to be located at Shankarpally, Medchal, Ghatkesar and Shamshabad, the HMDA service centres would be at Chevella, Sangareddy, Narsapur, Shamirpet, Bhongir, Pochampalli, Ibrahimpatnam and Maheshwaram.