Now seeking building permission won’t be a problem in the city. The ‘e-Town Planning’ (e-TP) system introduced by Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) promises to make it quick and hassle-free.
Mayor Majid Hussian, who inaugurated the new programme, said people can now seek permission online from the GHMC’s town planning department through its website – ghmc.gov.in.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Hussain said that the e-TP system will be a major boost for citizens seeking permissions, as it will cut down the cumbersome work of having to meet officers at various stages of works. “I don’t think any municipality has done this till now,” he remarked.
GHMC Commissioner Somesh Kumar, who was also present at the launch, stated that the main intention behind the online system was to make the procedures transparent.
“Anyone including architects, builders and others can apply, and their application will generate a unique number. Also, all officials dealing with files will do their work online, and will also sign on papers which they check,” explained Mr. Kumar, and added that officers would have to explain their actions in case of misdemeanours.
“Earlier we could not monitor things, but now we can. We are following the citizens’ charter,” Mr. Kumar said. Henceforth, citizens choosing to apply online for building permissions must fill all the details on the GHMC website, and take a printout of the same. A unique number will be generated.
After that, the applicants must submit all the details of their building plans with hard copies at the nearest citizen service counter, along with an initial payment of Rs.10,000, after which a file number along with an acknowledgement slip will be issued.
Computerisation
The GHMC also plans to computerise the old files in the office.
“I have given February 28 as the date before which the department personnel have to list all the old files. The target is about 25 per cent a week, and at the end of the month, everything will be computerised,” said Mr. Kumar, and added that all details about properties such as community halls, open spaces would also be uploaded soon.
Those unfamiliar with computers can apply with all the required documents to the GHMC office or service centres, where the staff would help them.
“As of now, both manual and online systems of applying are available. So it won’t be a problem,” the Mayor said.
