The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) in Haryana has taken measures to address concerns regarding potential violations by architects in issuing occupation certificates (OCs) for buildings. The move comes after the implementation of a self-certification policy in November the previous year, which granted architects the authority to issue OCs. However, reports of architects bypassing due processes and failing to submit necessary documentation to the district town planner's (DTP) office prompted the DTCP to take action.

The crux of the issue centres on the practice where architects, empowered by the self-certification policy, can grant OCs independently. However, these OCs are subject to a requirement that architects subsequently submit the associated files to the DTP office. It has come to the attention of the DTCP that a number of architects have not adhered to this post-OC process, sparking concerns about the validity of the certificates issued.

In response, the DTCP has undertaken a scrutiny of buildings for which architects granted OCs after August 1. Over the period spanning August 1 to August 10, architects submitted a total of 48 files to the DTP office for OC validation. Among these, a reassuring 39 buildings were deemed to meet the criteria for OC issuance. The DTCP has subsequently shared a list of these 39 properties with tehsildars (revenue officers) from various regions including Gurgaon, Sohna, Wazirabad, Manesar, Pataudi, Farrukhnagar, Kadipur, and Harsaru for official registration.

However, seven out of the 48 buildings evaluated were found to be non-compliant with Haryana's building codes. Consequently, show cause notices were issued to the respective architects involved in the construction of these buildings. For the remaining two buildings, the architects in question have been instructed to address and rectify any identified deficiencies.

Rajesh Kaushik, the district town planner responsible for planning, elucidated the department's actions in this regard. He explained that the order issued by Senior Town Planner Renuka Singh requires tehsildars to initiate property registration based on the list provided by the DTP. The objective of this directive is to curb any potential violations that may have occurred in the process of OC issuance by architects.

In an effort to ensure greater scrutiny and oversight, the DTP office has instituted a new approach. Rather than immediately sanctioning OCs for files submitted by architects, the department will now review the submitted files every 10 days. Subsequent to the review, a physical inspection of the buildings will be conducted to ascertain compliance with OC provisions. For buildings found to be compliant, a list will be generated and forwarded to tehsildars for the purpose of executing registration of sale deeds.

In instances where violations are detected within a building, the relevant architects will be issued show cause notices. These notices will have the effect of placing the registration process on hold until the violations are rectified. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that the process of OC issuance and subsequent property registration adheres to established norms and codes.

Kaushik also noted that the department has urged tehsildars to refrain from executing the registration of independent floors in any building until the properties in question appear on the list of compliant buildings. In an additional effort to enhance accountability and oversight, the DTCP sought information pertaining to the registration of floors within licensed colonies from November 16, 2022. However, no records were received from the tehsil offices. In response, a meeting was convened under the leadership of Senior Town Planner Renuka Singh to address the issue. This resulted in the formulation and issuance of new guidelines aimed at improving transparency and compliance in the OC issuance and property registration processes.

The actions taken by the DTCP underscore its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the OC issuance process and ensuring that architects adhere to the stipulated norms and guidelines. The focus on comprehensive evaluation, strict compliance, and accountability reflects the department's dedication to upholding regulatory standards in the realm of building and property certification.