The Belagavi Cantonment Board (BCB) has submitted a revised draft of its building bylaws to the Principal Director of Defence Estates, Southern Command, Pune, for approval. The updated version reflects several modifications based on recommendations from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), following the rejection of a previous draft.
Under the proposed changes, the civil area is divided into two zones. Zone I, covering the inner civil area including markets and high-density residential sectors, allows a maximum Floor Space Index (FSI) of 2.0. Zone II, encompassing the outer civil area and low-density bungalow zones, permits an FSI of up to 0.5.
In Zone I, the permissible constructions are as follows:
- Plots up to 100 sqm: Ground + First + Second floors with 90% ground coverage.
- 100–300 sqm plots: Stilt + Ground + First + Second floors with 75% ground coverage.
- Over 300 sqm plots: Basement/Stilt + Ground + First + Second floors with 60% ground coverage.
For plots smaller than 50 sqm, no setback is proposed due to size limitations. These are allowed 100% ground coverage, as essential municipal services such as water, electricity, and drainage can be accessed from adjoining roads. The maximum permissible height in all cases is capped at 18 metres, in line with a 1984 directive from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief.
In Zone II, covering the outer civil areas, the proposed rules are:
- Plots up to 100 sqm: Ground + First + Second floors with 50% ground coverage.
- 100–300 sqm plots: Stilt + Ground + First + Second floors with 50% ground coverage.
- Over 300 sqm plots: Basement/Stilt + Ground + First + Second floors with 50% ground coverage.
The minimum plot size for new residential construction in both zones is proposed at 50 sqm. However, for existing authorised buildings or plots, permission for reconstruction will be considered by the CEO or Cantonment Board based on existing records and prevailing policies. Where structures exceed FSI or ground coverage as per earlier approvals, reerection will be permitted in accordance with the original sanctioned parameters prior to the enforcement of current FSI restrictions.
The revised bylaws were approved by the BCB during a recent meeting chaired by Brigadier Joydeep Mukherjee, Commandant of The Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC). BCB CEO Rajeev Kumar and nominated member Sudhir Tupekar were also present. Speaking to reporters, CEO Kumar stated that the new bylaws will be implemented only after formal approval from the Defence Estates Office.
