Jaipur: Industry bodies in Rajasthan have sought greater flexibility in building-height norms in RIICO areas, arguing that the existing 15-metre benchmark could limit capacity expansion at a time when India’s trade agreements are opening access to major export markets.Industry representatives recently raised the issue at a meeting with RIICO chairman and ACS Industries Shikhar Agarwal, arguing that vertical expansion would allow existing units to add production lines, storage and ancillary facilities without acquiring additional land.The industry, however, is not seeking a blanket relaxation of safety norms. Its demand is for a more flexible framework under which permissible height is linked to factors such as plot size, road width, setbacks, fire-fighting infrastructure and other safety requirements.The demand comes as India’s trade agreements with the UK and the European Union are expected to provide greater market access for Indian goods, potentially requiring exporters to expand production capacity.On the sidelines of its AGM on Saturday, Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan (GEAR) president Rakshit Poddar said, “Several states allow taller industrial structures subject to additional infrastructure and safety requirements. We want similar provisions in Rajasthan to enable units to increase their building height.”Tamil Nadu permits industrial buildings up to 18.3 metres under specified road-width and setback conditions. Maharashtra’s MIDC framework also does not treat 15 metres as an absolute ceiling for industrial buildings, with taller structures subject to additional fire-safety requirements and clearances.RIICO rules allow consideration of buildings exceeding 18 metres subject to prescribed conditions, but industry representatives said the approval process and requirements make such expansion difficult to undertake.Poddar said the industry wanted the existing mechanism to be made “more predictable and less restrictive” where road access, fire safety and other infrastructure could support taller structures.The industry’s argument is that higher capacity should be permitted on existing industrial plots where supporting infrastructure and safety standards are adequate, rather than requiring units to acquire additional land for expansion.
