For developers in city, getting approvals now easier and faster
The orders were issued by former BMC commissioner Sitaram Kunte a week ago, but will be implemented by his successor Ajoy Mehta, beginning May 15.
The BMC has issued orders to halve the number of procedures involved in construction permits and also the time required to grant them, which could be a 60 per cent reduction.This move will make it easier for real estate developers to get the necessary permissions and help deliver projects faster, while also bringing in substantial cost savings. Currently, it takes up to three years for a developer to get all the necessary permissions for commencing construction.
Deadlines have also been set for sanctions during various stages of construction, from intimation of disapproval (IOD) which is the first stage of permissions to the grant of Occupation Certificate.The 20-page circular details six major changes relating to building permissions. These include a list of processes that have to be eliminated, re-engineered or transformed and simpler procedures for site visit, use of technology and deemed clearances. It has also defined time-lines for grant of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) by various agencies as also for forwarding of files from one department to another.
The measures taken are an outcome of a report by BMC-appointed consultants Pricewaterhouse Coopers and a series of meetings held up to the level of the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India between November 2014 and April 2015.
BMC appointed PwC after the Central government directed local bodies to work towards improving India’s ranking on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business 2014 where it ranked 142 amongst 189 countries.
Of the 10 parameters that decide the index, India’s score is amongst the worst on the ‘Dealing with Construction Permits’ count where it ranks 184 out of 189 countries, which was one of the factors responsible for pulling down the country’s ranking on the index.
While India’s ranking on this parameter, is based on the collective score of Mumbai and Delhi, the report showed how the cost of construction permits in Mumbai accounts for half the actual construction cost. Moreover, it noted that it takes 27 steps and 162s days to obtain such permit in Mumbai.
Another major change under the new system is room for greater self-certification and third party certification for traffic, drains, sewerage, internal road layout, among others. Additional municipal commissioner SVR Srinivas said the change will break the monopoly of engineers within civic departments. “Empanelled private consultants will be allowed to issue remarks and NOCs. Faster permissions will eliminate uncertainty, ease liquidity issues and will bring down construction costs,” said Srinivas.
- by Shalini Nair
Source :- The Indian Express
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