PANAJI
In a major decision, the Town and Country Planning Board has decided to grant exemption in Floor Area Ratio (FAR) to all the residential housing societies over 20 years, which are considering repair or reconstruction.
The TCP Board that met on Thursday also decided to make it mandatory for multi-family dwelling units to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for providing necessary first-aid to a patient in case of a cardiac arrest.
TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane said that all buildings and properties in housing societies, existing for 20 years and needing repairs and reconstruction, will be given exemption with increased FAR and height. “This policy decision will be implemented across the State. The policy will benefit the people of Goa and improve their quality of life,” he said.
The meeting was held in presence of Chief Town Planners Rajesh Naik and Vertika Dagur, MLA Deviya Rane and other members including special invitees.
The Minister said that considering the rising number of cases of sudden cardiac and other emergencies, the Board has decided to actively consider providing space in multi-family dwelling units for AEDs.
Rane said that instructions have been issued to branch offices and planning and development authorities (PDAs) to include the provision of having AEDs while granting permissions for the projects.
He further said that several important policies were discussed and decisions were made at the Board meeting which will benefit the people.
The Board also welcomed newly appointed GCCI chairman Shrinivas Dempo and Architect Milind Ramani as its members.
