The Times of India          30.11.2013

No water, sewage connection without occupancy certificate

NAGPUR: Over 90% buildings in the city are not having occupancy certificate though it is mandatory. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) have so far remained mute spectators to it by not taking any action against people who start using buildings without this document that ensures construction is as per the sanctioned plan and also safe for occupation.

Municipal commissioner Shyam Wardhane has now come up with a policy to compel builders and individuals to obtain this certificate. NMC will not provide water and sewage connections to buildings unless they have occupancy certificate.

Corporators, builders and activists have welcomed the civic chief's decision. The town planning department has drafted the new policy and submitted to Wardhane who is set to notify it in couple of days. The norm, however, will be applicable to all new buildings and not existing ones.

There is also a provision of action against the officials concerned if water and sewage connections are without occupancy certificate. It will also be applicable to buildings sanctioned by NIT.

While welcoming the new norm, activist Narayan Ahuja said that it should also cover the existing buildings.

"Occupancy certificate is crucial as it is issued only after structural examination by engineers which would ensure safety of the structure and also occupant. Besides, the builder has to comply with all fire safety norms. Wardhane should direct the officials of town planning department not to issue the certificate before compliance of fire safety. Town planning department is famous for sanctioning building plans without ensuring fire NOC which is mandatory," he said.

Stating that new norm would prevent the common man from being cheated by the builders, corporator Parinay Fuke said that sale deed should also not be registered without the occupancy certificate.

"It will help citizens check for occupancy certificate from the builder before purchasing the flats. The engineers and other officials should examine the structures promptly. The New norm should not become another reason for harassing people and there should be prescribed time limit for issuing the certificate," he said.

Builder Prashant Borele said it would help in verifying whether structure was built according to sanctioned plan.

"It becomes a headache for builders in case one later gets notice for any minor changes in the construction. Builders will also benefit as consumers can be convinced easily by showing occupancy certificate. But what about existing buildings? They should also be covered under the new norm," he demanded.

First occupy the occupancy certificate