To bring transparency and to reduce human interface, the Coimbatore Corporation on Thursday introduced an SMS alert facility relating to building plan approvals.

Mayor S.M. Velusamy launched the facility in the presence of Deputy Commissioner (holding charge as Commissioner) S. Sivarasu.

A person seeking a building plan approval will have to log on to the www.coimbatorecorporation.com website and submit his or her application seeking building plan approval.

Within eight hours, the applicant will get a message on his or her mobile phone with a reference number.

Within 15 days, the applicant should either submit the required documents in person or send them through registered post with acknowledgement due.

Any delay in submitting the documents within the stipulated period will result in cancellation of the reference number and a fresh application will have to be given. Once all documents are submitted, the applicant will get an SMS on whether the plan is approved or rejected. If rejected, reasons will be furnished.

Using the reference number, the applicant can track the progress on his application. The applicant need not visit the town planning department or meet any official.

The approved building plan with a photograph of the applicant and a corporation seal affixed on it will be sent to the applicant by registered post.