FHRAI has submitted a representation to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of the Government of NCT, Delhi – Shri Anil Baijal and to the Vice Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) – Shri Anurag Jain requesting an increase in the allowable commercial retail space in hotels from 20 per cent to 40 per cent in the Master Plan Delhi (MPD)-2041. The Association has pointed out that in the earlier MPD-2041 draft, the DDA had provisioned for the increase and also had proposed including the same but has now left it out. This has brought much disappointment to the Hospitality industry in the Capital city. Through its representation, the FHRAI has attempted to throw light on the several reasons justifying the need for increased FAR. It has appealed to Government to consider the same for a progressive and vibrant development of Delhi.
“World over, the most liveable cities are those where the planning incorporates modernity, ease of doing business, easy reach of quality amenities and an infrastructure that is not decaying because of strained fiscal resources both in the private or public sectors. Hospitality industry is one of the largest employment providers and contributes approximately 10 per cent to the nation’s GDP. Through the year 2020 and now in 2021 leading up to 2022, the hotel industry has been brought to its knees by the pandemic. Any progressive idea from our own city will bring in the much-needed resources to repay the huge outstanding dues of the hospitality establishments. Freeing up additional FAR were incorporated in the planning of international destination cities including Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, New York, Chicago and Paris to name a few. Delhi needs to be bolder and better than them. We request the Govt. of NCT of Delhi and DDA to increase allowable commercial retail space in hotels from 20 per cent to 40 per cent in the MPD-2041,” says Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, Vice President, FHRAI.
The FHRAI has stated that most progressive starred hotels behave responsibly towards the environment and sustainability. Hospitality establishments are mindful of the advancements in architecture, aesthetics and the need for offering the very best to the incoming tourists and also the city that they are located in.
“Meeting world standards come at a huge standing cost. Major metropolises outside India have realized and incorporated the need of the modern business travellers. All amenities are within easy reach and today’s hotels offer them a variety of services, the lead amidst them being quality shopping. Added FAR for commercial retail activity will mitigate the strain on fiscal resources. It will allow generation of resources for much needed refurbishment or added room capacity to meet the needs of international travellers and put Delhi firmly as an international destination in itself. As a result, the State will also benefit significantly through increased inflows of tax revenues and duties through various instruments,” adds Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, Vice President, FHRAI.
India is poised to become one of the top three nations in terms of GDP in the coming decades. The aspiration of everyone within the country is to gravitate to the capital, the Association has stated.
“With one of the youngest populations in the world, there is immense growth potential particularly in the Hospitality sector. Added resources and retail space within existing units will also free up the much needed space for other public, commercial and infrastructure requirements. It will also enable Delhi to maintain its existing green cover, if not add to it. Delhi must build itself through such innovative steps to count as both a hub for tourism, a commercial giant, and also qualify to offer its citizens and visitors a city they would cherish,” concludes Kohli.
