Now Reading: Karnataka proposes high-rise threshold raise to 24 metres
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Karnataka proposes high-rise threshold raise to 24 metres
The Story in Brief
The Karnataka government has proposed redefining high-rise buildings as those measuring 24 metres and above, up from the current 21 metres, according to a draft notification issued by the Urban Development Department on 3 November. The proposal, which invites objections and suggestions within 30 days, would exempt buildings up to seven floors plus a stilt from requiring a fire department no-objection certificate. High-risk buildings such as schools and hospitals remain subject to existing fire safety norms, officials said.
The relaxation, recommended by the Fire and Emergency Services Department, follows central government recommendations under Compliance Reduction and Deregulation Phase-II. The state cites a need to reduce compliance burden and adopt global best practices in fire safety. The change is expected to help builders utilising the premium floor area ratio policy. Earlier proposals to raise the threshold from 15 metres to 21 metres, issued in 2025 and June 2026, now stand withdrawn.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Hindu frames the proposal as a second increase in just over a year, emphasising the 60% jump from the original threshold and the potential fire safety concerns, while noting the recommendation came from the fire department. Deccan Herald and Times of India focus more on the practical impact: the exemption up to seven floors plus a stilt, the premium FAR benefit, and developer reactions, such as Credai past president Suresh Hari calling it a positive decision. All three outlets report the government's stated rationale of reducing compliance burden and adopting global best practices, with no outlet questioning the safety implications in depth. The coverage is broadly neutral, differing mainly in emphasis: The Hindu leads with the regulatory change and its history, while the other two lead with the developer benefit. The next step is the 30-day window for objections and suggestions.
Coverage: 3 sources, 3 neutral
Sources (3): thehindu.com (neutral report), deccanherald.com (neutral report), timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
Update, 7 November 2026: this story now draws on 3 sources.
