Mumbai: Housing societies can now have a larger yogalaya, fitness centre, recreation centre or meditation centre within the society premises that can be built free of floor space index (FSI).The state urban development dept has issued a notification increasing the area to be utilised for such leisure components from the earlier 2% to 4% of the total built-up area of the project. The minimum size of the yogalaya or fitness centre… will be 323 square feet. A covered swimming pool is also permitted within the 4% cap as part of the fitness centre. If the area for the utility exceeds 4%, then it will be counted in the FSI, states the notification.The state urban development department issued the GR amending Regulation 31 (1) and sub-regulations 37 (28) and 37 (28A) of DCPR 2034, for areas under the BMC. “Gated communities with 50-100 flats are coming up all over and residents want all kinds of facilities within their gates to enhance the joy of living. Initially there was only the clubhouse but in the last 8-10 years several recreation activities have been added and given the traffic jams on the city roads, people prefer to have these activities in the society itself,” said Sandip Isore, a consultant to the real estate industry.Isore said residential societies now have a clubhouse and fitness centre and given the sizable population in a gated community, these need to be large areas. “Also, these facilities are now incorporated in the flat sale agreement and RERA requires it be mentioned in the plan so there is transparency and it is difficult to misuse this space,” he said.The notification states the ownership of the yogalaya or fitness centre will be only with the society or the apartment owner’s association. In case of larger layouts where there is an existing or proposed clubhouse, the yogalaya or fitness centre can be constructed within the building, on the podium or basement. Both the amenities will be part of the 4% free of the FSI component. In case of office or commercial buildings too it will be permitted but a 100% premium based on the Ready Reckoner Rate (RRR) will be charged, states the notification.Milind Changani, architect, secretary to PEATA (Practising Engineers, Architects, Town Planners Association), said by allowing a larger area free of FSI, the govt is promoting a better quality of life with better amenities within residential premises. “This greatly helps smaller developers who can now provide recreational activities like basketball courts as it would be free of FSI. For the first time commercial buildings too can now provide this facility. This will improve the qualitative aspect for a resident multifold times.”
