BMP set to establish `TDR clinic'

BMP set to establish `TDR clinic'

The Hindu

Commissioner K. Jairaj to meet Chief Minister on Monday to get clearance

# There is opposition from citizens to the proposal
# BMP determined to go ahead with it
# Talks held with builders
# 11 roads to be widened by December

BANGALORE: To create a demand for the controversial road widening project using "transferable development rights" (TDR), Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) is all set to establish a "TDR clinic" wherein people can buy and sell the "rights."

The Government permitted the BMP (through a notification on February 3, 2005) to grant TDR to property owners and leaseholders for road widening. The rights envisage permitting an additional floor area ratio (FAR) to owners whose lands are acquired for road widening. The BMP can acquire the lands without paying compensation and the owners have the option to either extend construction or sell the "rights" to a prospective builder in specified zones.

As there has been stiff opposition to the scheme from citizens right from the beginning, the BMP, which is determined to go ahead with the project, now plans to buy the "rights" from people whose land is acquired for widening and sell it to people, who want an extra floor area ratio. These "rights" can either be used for a new construction or to regularise an extra floor area ratio that has been used in a building.

BMP Commissioner K. Jairaj will seek clearance for the "TDR clinic" and its financial implications from Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Monday. "We will make a detailed presentation on the project to the Chief Minister. Our plan is to widen at least 11 roads by December this year," Mr. Jairaj told The Hindu on Sunday.

Pointing out that the BMP is trying to first acquire government land and then private land, Mr. Jairaj said it was inevitable for the BMP to take up the project as road widening was essential for better traffic movement.

"I have discussed the proposal with builders and have tried to convince them on the need for buying TDR. After seeking the Government's clearance, I will hold another round of talks with them. If we fail to establish a good market for TDR, we will go ahead with the proposed clinic," he said.

On the financial implications of buying the "rights" from people, Mr. Jairaj said: "We will have to borrow money from banks and financial institutions. The loans can be repaid by selling the rights," he said.

Following the February 3 notification, the civic body identified 135 km of roads, in all, for widening all over the city. It also started work on Hosur Road and Palace Road. But it was forced to go slow on other roads after opposition from citizens, including traders.

Though 45 roads were identified under the first phase, 11 roads, including Airport Road, Bellary Road, Seshadri Road, Sankey Road and Richmond Road, will be taken up immediately.