KOCHI: Like any structure, the city has only the capacity to bear a certain load. If the load exceeds a certain level, the stress and strain on the land will increase and reach a break point. “To maintain the safe load, a major tool that can be used is the floor-area ratio (FAR). It will control the size of the buildings and make sure that the ratio of total floor area of the building is proportionate to the area of the plot,” said Kochi Corporation Town Planning Standing Committee chairman K J Sohan.He said that sticking to FAR norms would not hinder the development of high-rise buildings, but would help put proper control over them. “For example, if a plot measures 5 cents (2,177 sq ft) and the FAR value permissible for that area is two, then a maximum of 4,354 sq ft of space will be allotted to construct all floors of the building put together,” he said.He said that town planning schemes mandate different FAR values for different areas and a 40 per cent of the total land should be left free. “The other conditions such as parking, setbacks and the width of the access roads should also be considered,” Sohan added. It will make sure that vertical structures are not erected illegally. “A reasonable FAR ensures adequate open area on a plot for high-rise buildings. The open area will not only be a blessing to the occupants of the building, but also to their neighbours and the public at large,” he added.He said that the civic body would intensify the drive against illegal constructions. “Quick action will be taken against unauthorised constructions and those buildings constructed flouting the approved plans,” he added. The corporation had earlier sent notices to 24 establishments in the city, including hotels and hospitals that violated building permit rules.
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