GHMC contemplating to scrap cellars in multi-storeyed buildings
At present, nearly 5-6 cellars are being permitted in multi-storeyed buildings. It may be recalled that the government had already identified the seismic zones which could be affected by earthquakes in Hyderabad. Experts opine that construction of cellars in those areas might prove risky
Hyderabad: The GHMC is contemplating to scrap the construction of cellars in multi-storeyed buildings. In the wake of the numerous complaints over water-logging in cellars and also disposing the mud coming due to digging the soil very deep, apart from the increasing construction cost, the GHMC is planning to do away with this construction.
At present, nearly 5-6 cellars are being permitted in multi-storeyed buildings. It may be recalled that the government had already identified the seismic zones which could be affected by earthquakes in Hyderabad. Experts opine that construction of cellars in those areas might prove risky.
In this backdrop, the government is thinking that it would good if cellars are not permitted. This provision will be legalized and the rules and regulations in the Corporation Act will be amended accordingly, an official said.
It is being suggested that cellars should be replaced with stilts. Building experts are suggesting that stilts can be permitted for any number of floors. The height of the construction would be adjusted as per the requirement. A few new buildings have been given permission on the basis of this suggestion in GHMC, said a town planning officer.
Nearly 2-3 stilts are being approved, he added.
At the same time, he said that builders of residential structures are showing interest in stilts while those of commercial buildings are not inclined in shifting to stilts.
In commercial buildings, ground floor has demand and hence, replacing them with stilts is not being preferred. The commercial building constructors are of the opinion that converting the stilts into parking facility would put them at loss.
Meanwhile, officials feel that there would be some concrete change in the constructions only if there is legality to the provision.
