NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court raised concerns on Monday regarding the Karnataka government’s approval of Premium Floor Area Ratio (PFAR) for construction. This decision could facilitate the erection of multistoried buildings on narrow 9-metre-wide roads in Bengaluru, exacerbating the city’s already strained civic amenities.
A bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed, “Allowing PFAR would enable construction on narrow roads. Builders may entice flat buyers with appealing offers, but what about civic amenities? While increased FAR might be justifiable in newly developed areas, granting such permissions in established residential zones would strain these amenities. What happens to the residents where roads are narrow?”
The bench emphasized, “The government must prioritize residents’ interests instead of catering to realtors and builders. Should residents have to protest on the streets to defend their rights? Does the government not consider the congestion this would create?”
