The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on July 31, 2026, issued the Draft Nainital Cantonment Building Bye-Laws, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The Bye-Laws establish a comprehensive framework for construction, reconstruction, additions and alterations of buildings. No building work can be undertaken without prior sanction from the Competent Authority. Applications are required to be submitted through the e-Chhawani portal with prescribed plans and documents through a registered architect/engineer. Only persons having legally valid occupancy rights over leased, Old Grant or private land can apply, and violations of lease/Old Grant conditions shall be regularised or condoned before sanction. Building application fees, development charges, labour cess and other prescribed charges are also payable.
• The draft introduces Zone-I and Zone-II zoning based broadly on population density and land characteristics. Both zones prescribe FSI and maximum ground coverage according to plot size: FSI ranges from 2.00 to 1.50 and ground coverage from 85% to 55%. The minimum dwelling-unit size is generally 26 sq. m. for plots above 30 sq. m., while the maximum permissible building height is 12 metres, with G+2 floors permitted where stilt parking is used, excluding the stilt and basement.
• The Bye-Laws prescribe detailed front, side and rear setbacks/open spaces, regulating the placement of buildings, balconies, sunshades, external staircases and parking. Certain facilities such as rainwater-harvesting pits, septic tanks and soak pits may be permitted within specified open spaces. They also contain detailed requirements for basements, including minimum height, ventilation, drainage, fire protection, waterproofing, separate access, fire extinguishers and restrictions on kitchens/toilets and other uses.
• Environmental and sustainability measures are incorporated through incentives for rooftop solar installations and rainwater harvesting. For buildings below 200 sq. m., applicants opting for and completing such facilities can receive a refund of development charges, subject to the Board determining the applicable incentive and submission of photographs. The completion documentation also requires certification regarding water harvesting and wastewater recycling systems.
• For sanitation, dry latrines are prohibited, and buildings shall have proper sewage disposal systems. Connection to the Cantonment sewer is required wherever feasible; otherwise, properly designed septic tanks and soak pits are to be provided. Discharge of sewage or sludge into open drains, nallahs, natural water sources or other water bodies is prohibited.
• Public objections and suggestions may be submitted by September 10, 2026.
[Notification No. - S.R.O. 31(E)]
