Karnataka okays new FAR policy at higher costs; PIL filed citing disastrous consequences

The Karnataka state government's new Premium Floor Area Ratio (FAR) policy has sparked major concerns among citizens, urban planners, and legal experts. The policy, recently implemented through an amendment to Section 13E of the Karnataka Town and Rural Planning Act 2015, allows builders to construct additional floors by paying a premium fee to the government.

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Applicable to Bengaluru and surrounding regions, the Urban Development Department’s plan permits more FAR—even on narrow roads—leading to fears of over-construction and infrastructure collapse. Critics argue that building tall structures on 9-meter-wide roads will overwhelm the city’s already strained systems—drinking water, sewage, roads, and parking.

The government’s decision to charge 28% of the SR value as a fee and allow up to 60% additional FAR has been slammed as unscientific and developer-centric. Many fear this move will only benefit private builders while leaving residents to suffer poor urban planning consequences.

Urban planners say the plan is aimed at boosting revenue for the state treasury, while lawyers and residents have demanded an immediate revision. Advocate Prashant Mirle has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Karnataka High Court, challenging the legality and sustainability of the policy.

As high-rises threaten to rise unchecked, the city stares at a future of overcrowding, flooding, and infrastructure chaos.