Haryana Allows Farmhouses in Residential Zones

Residents in Haryana can now have “farmhouses” in the residential areas ranging from 2,000 square metres (4 kanals) to 10,117.5 square metres (20 kanals), a development that is set to change state’s urban landscape. Under its “low-density eco-friendly housing policy”, the plot owners can seek change of land use (CLU) for building mega houses with strict conditions that the premises would not be used for “commercial uses such as banquet hall, recreational, religious and institutional purposes”.

1. Makrand Pandurang, Special Secretary, Town and Country Planning, Haryana Government, said the new policy would apply to all urbanisable areas in Haryana and would be strictly enforced so that no commercial activity was undertaken.

He said maximum ground coverage of 20% would be allowed for plots measuring from 2,000 square metres (4 kanals) to 1 acres (8 kanals) with a floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.20. Similarly, for plots ranging from 1 acre to 2.5 acres (20 kanals), the ground coverage would be 15% and FAR of 0.20. Pool, pond and water bodies would be among the things to be allowed besides, the kitchen garden and urban farming. Only one dwelling unit would be allowed and no sub-division of the plot permitted. The installation of the rainwater harvesting would be mandatory for obtaining the CLU for the construction of the building on the plot. The owner will also have to provide a functional biogas plant at the plot. Welcoming the new policy, Suresh Aggarwal, president of the Haryana State Property Dealers Welfare Association, said “It would go a long way in regulating the haphazard and unregulated construction activity. However, the state government should enforce the policy in letter and spirit so that it was not misused by the vested interests.