The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns over the Karnataka government's decision to permit Premium Floor Area Ratio (PFAR) for construction in Bengaluru. The apex court warned that this move could severely strain the city's already overburdened civic infrastructure.
Bench Flags Strain on Narrow Roads
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed its apprehension during a hearing on Monday. The judges pointed out that allowing PFAR—which grants builders Floor Area Ratio over and above the mandated limit—would lead to the construction of multistoreyed buildings on numerous narrow roads in the city.
The court specifically highlighted that many roads in Bengaluru are only nine metres wide. Granting extra construction rights on such roads, the bench argued, would exacerbate congestion and overwhelm essential services. "The builders will sell a dream to the flat buyers. But what happens to the civic amenities?" the bench questioned.
Government's Duty vs. Builder Benefits
The Supreme Court bench emphasized that the state's primary duty is to protect the interests of its residents, not to benefit real estate developers. It posed a stark question to the government: "Should the residents come on the street to protest every time to seek protection of their rights?"
The judges made a distinction between newly developed areas and older residential localities. They suggested that providing increased FAR at a cost in a new area might be acceptable. However, applying the same policy in old residential areas with narrow roads would be detrimental. "Should govt not think of how much congestion it would cause?" the bench asked.
Implications for Bengaluru's Future
This judicial intervention puts a spotlight on the perennial conflict between urban development and sustainable infrastructure in India's tech capital. The court's remarks underscore a critical challenge for Bengaluru: managing rapid, vertical growth without compromising the quality of life for its existing residents.
The Supreme Court's questioning signals a need for the Karnataka government to re-evaluate its PFAR policy, particularly for the city's densely packed older neighbourhoods. The decision has far-reaching consequences for urban planning, real estate regulations, and the protection of civic amenities in the burgeoning metropolis.
