Re: Zoning laws

["S. V. Raju" <freedom@bom3.vsnl.net.in>]

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Please help make the Manifesto better, or accept it, and propagate it!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Sanjeev there can be no objection at all in disclosing the identity of the 
person concerned. I am copying this response to him.
S.V.Raju

>-----Original Message-----
>From: Dr. Sanjeev Sabhlok <sabhlok@mail.cine.net>
>To: d <debate@indiapolicy.org>
>Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2000 8:43 PM
>Subject: Fw: Zoning laws

>Forwarding an excellent response obtained thro' Shri S.V. Raju.  The
>response was from a senior retired officer. I thank Sh. Raju for >this, and 
>if he permits, I will disclose the identity of this fine >gentleman for 
>members of IPI debate.
>
>It is a good idea for us to compile and publish all land zoning 
> >regulations of India on IPI's site. People can send to me. I'll try >to 
>scan and put up these regulations. For Meghalaya in particular, I >hope 
>their Urban deptt. can get their documents up quickly.
>
>Sent: Friday, February 11, 2000 9:26 PM
>Subject: Zoning laws
>
>
>>Dear Dr.Sabhlok,
>>Mr.S.V.Raju has sent me your letter of the 17th January,
>>although it is twenty years since I retired from service.  I did so
>>from the post of Secretary, Urban Development, in the Central
>>government, before which I worked in the Maharashtra government
>>in the same capacity.  Consequently, Raju believes I know
>>something about the subject.
>>Since land is a state subject, its use can be regulated only
>>under state legislation.  For their urban areas most states have
>>made city/town planning laws, which enable their administrations
>>to regulate land use, including zoning, in their urban areas.  In our
>>state we have the Maharashtra Town Planning Act, under which
>>Development Plans have been framed for the towns in the state.
>>These plans prescribe the areas that can be used for residence,
>>commerce, industry, recreation, etc., as well as the rules for
>>building.  Without such regulation, under a specific law, it would >> be 
>>difficult to control the use of land, even though in Maharashtra >> the 
>>Land Revenue Code requires the Collector's permission before >> land
>>is put to non-agricultural use.  Restraints under the Code would be
>>arbitrary and dsicriminatory without a zoning plan, and might not
>>survive a challenge in the courts.  So perhaps Meghalaya should
>>enact a planning law if it does not already have one.
>>I should add, however, that the existence of a Development
>>Plan does not prevent the urban mess that you fear.  Just look at
>>the towns in our state, which was probably the first to legislate >> on 
>>this subject, to realise how inadequate a law can be if
>>political will and administrative integrity are weak.  Bombay is itself a 
>>prime example of urban chaos.
>>I hope this is of some use to you.
>>Sincerely,

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com


--------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the National Debate on System Reform.       debate@indiapolicy.org
Rules, Procedures, Archives:            http://www.indiapolicy.org/debate/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------