The Hindu 27.01.2010
GHMC to set in motion BPS
| 46,000 applications identified for clearance |
List of unauthorised buildings being prepared; demolitions will follow
32,000-odd applications do not have proper documents while 34,459 are ineligible
HYDERABAD: With Building Penalisation Scheme (BPS) applications clearance in a cul-de-sac, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is getting ready to break the logjam.
It has identified 46,000-odd applications that are complete in all respects save for payment of final penal fee payment for clearance. This is to be treated as a top priority from among the pending 1.32 lakh pending applications by February end, said Additional Commissioner (Planning & Projects) K. Dhanunjaya Reddy.
Entrusted the portfolio once again few days ago, Mr. Reddy has done a preliminary check on hindrances faced in clearing pending applications over which even elected representatives had voiced their concern in the council meeting held last week.
Mr. Reddy says each applicant would be once again “persuaded” to pay up to get their respective certificates. Of course, the flip side is revenues thus accrued would come as a much-needed relief to the financially beleaguered Municipal Corporation.
At the same time, a list of totally unauthorised buildings – commercial and residential from among the above category are being identified and ground is being prepared to begin demolitions to send a clear message. “We will deal with commercial buildings first and later focus on structures with illegal extra floors,” he said.
While officials claim civic polls, political events and “reluctance” of applicants was reason for the pendency, applicants charge notices were not received, “harassment” from lower staff and wrong calculation of final payments.
There are other 32,000-odd applications where proper documents like the revised plan copy or structural stability certificate are yet to be submitted.
Besides, 36,459 other applications from the total of more than two lakh BPS forms received are ineligible to be cleared due to various reasons.
Fire safety
Fire safety clearances for high rise buildings (above 18 metres height for residential and above 15 metres height for commercial) too have been poor with only 50-odd structures taking the final permission of the more than 2,000 applications including penthouses.
“We will have to discuss with the Fire Safety Department as certain issues have cropped up,” said Mr. Reddy. And these are not just about lot of money needed to purchase fire fighting equipment (Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh) but also the setbacks clause.
