Hundred per cent more property tax collection for life from illegal buildings, tying up power, water connections and registration of property to occupancy certificates are some of the far reaching changes being proposed to arrest unauthorised constructions in the State. The Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department which has prepared draft uniform comprehensive building rules applicable to all urban areas has also mooted making Occupancy Certificates (OCs) indicating that a building has been built as per the sanctioned plan a must for all municipal corporations and municipalities.
Presently, OCs are being insisted only in Hyderabad but alarmed at the spree of illegal constructions in other urban areas too, it is seeking registration of builders – those constructing apartments and commercial complexes- compulsory to keep a tab on the building activity.
Senior municipal officials say that there has been a spurt in building apartments in places like Nellore, Ongole, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Bapatla, T.P. Gudem, etc., and it has been observed that illegal extra floors or a penthouse were being constructed with impunity and the 10 per cent deviation permitted was being misused.
Surprise visits
“Due to urbanisation and rising land costs, there is lot of demand for flats in these areas. Official machinery at these towns lack enforcement cells and demolition squads. It has been decided to take up surprise visits by senior officials and take strong action,” they say.
The uniform building rules which will replace several GOs being implemented in different places is also likely to mention about taking a commencement certificate when the construction begins, completion certificate followed by the OC.
“Illegal constructions can be controlled by a self-regulatory mechanism where various government departments work in tandem. Hence, we are also requesting the government to amend the respective power and water Acts so that connections are linked to OCs so is the property registration,” aver senior officials.
Severe disciplinary action is being suggested even against the Commissioner concerned if there is any lapse in building regulations. A tribunal at the State level to deal with all issues pertaining to the real estate sector is also being given a push though it was mentioned in the common building rules under G.O.86 made applicable to the Municipal Corporations of Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada but hasn't borne fruit.
