Kolkata: In a significant move to preserve Kolkata’s rapidly deteriorating heritage structures, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is planning to introduce a new law that seeks to balance heritage conservation with the financial interests of property owners.
The proposed legislation will allow owners of heritage buildings to benefit from Transferable Development Rights (TDR), a mechanism aimed at generating funds for restoration while preventing the demolition of historically significant properties.
According to senior KMC officials, the draft legislation has already been prepared and forwarded to the state Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Department for approval. Once vetted by the Law Department and passed in the state Assembly, the proposal will be placed before the Mayor-in-Council for implementation. However, officials said the measure is unlikely to be enforced before the formation of a new elected board following the Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for November.
The proposed law seeks to address a long-standing problem faced by owners of heritage properties, many of whom struggle to meet the high maintenance costs associated with preserving old structures. While such properties receive concessions from the civic body, officials said the benefits are often insufficient, resulting in neglect and gradual deterioration of several heritage buildings across the city.
In several instances, heritage structures have reportedly been acquired by developers and replaced with commercial complexes or high-rise buildings. Civic officials believe the TDR model can offer a viable alternative by enabling owners to monetise unused development potential without compromising the heritage status of their properties.
Under the proposal, owners of heritage buildings will be granted additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR), equivalent to twice the size of the protected property. This additional development right can either be utilised on another parcel of land they own or sold to developers. The proceeds generated would be used primarily for restoring and maintaining the heritage structure.
Officials said the draft draws inspiration from similar provisions in London, where TDR mechanisms have long been used to support the conservation of historically important buildings. However, unlike the London model, which requires renovation before financial benefits are released, Kolkata’s proposed law envisages a phased approach. Owners would first be allowed to sell part of the additional FAR to fund restoration work and subsequently monetise the remaining development rights after renovation is completed.
Kolkata currently has around 1,400 heritage structures. Of these, 717 are classified as Grade-I, 216 as Grade-IIA and 119 as Grade-IIB, while more than 200 buildings are yet to be graded. Protection for Grade-I and Grade-IIA structures is absolute, preventing any alteration to their character. Grade-IIB buildings can undergo limited additions and modifications, while Grade-III structures can be demolished.
Officials hope the proposed legislation will provide a sustainable solution for preserving the city’s architectural heritage while ensuring that financially distressed owners are not burdened by the costs of maintaining protected properties.
(IANS)
