The path to constructing low-risk buildings in the state has now become easier. The government has empowered architects under the Ease of Doing Business Act. They will be able to approve building plans. They simply need to inform the authority along with the relevant documents.
The Housing Department has amended the government order of September 4, 2019. Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram issued a letter in this regard, stating that the changes were necessary to simplify and make the complex process of building plan approval timely. With the implementation of the revised system, ordinary citizens and builders will be spared the unnecessary hassle of visiting government offices.
According to the new system, for low-risk buildings, a recognized architect will be able to approve plans submitted with SC-1 (in which the architect or engineer declares that the plan is prepared in accordance with all regulations and is responsible for the construction) and SC-2 (in which the structural engineer certifies the building’s structural safety). After approval from the architect, only the relevant authority will need to be informed.
The government believes that this will significantly reduce the time required for map approval. Under the revised rules, if officials do not raise any objections within 15 days of the architect’s approval notice, the applicant can begin construction. This step is considered a significant effort to speed up the process. It will save time in obtaining map approvals, reduce the hassles of both citizens and builders, and eliminate the hassle of running around offices. It will bring transparency and speed to the construction approval process
