The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has raised concerns by granting occupancy certificates (OCs) to only 5% of approximately 1,000 buildings constructed in the city over the past five years. The low rate of OC issuance highlights concerns about the safety and adherence to regulations in numerous structures throughout Bhubaneswar. Additionally, allegations of BDA granting approvals for building plans within the jurisdiction of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) have raised questions about urban planning and governance in the city. Clarification of authority and adherence to established norms are essential for sustainable urban development.
In a surprising disclosure, it appears that the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has granted occupancy certificates (OCs) to only a mere 5% of the approximately 1,000 buildings erected in Bhubaneswar over the past five years. This revelation has ignited concerns regarding the safety and compliance of numerous structures throughout the city.
Occupancy certificates, commonly referred to as OCs, are essential documents bestowed upon buildings that meet rigorous criteria, encompassing environmental standards, fire safety regulations, and urban planning norms. Without these OCs, buildings are technically ineligible for vital services such as electricity, water, sewerage, and sanitation.
Sources within the real estate industry have indicated that Bhubaneswar witnesses the emergence of approximately 200 new buildings annually, underscoring the scale of the issue. BDA's annual reports for 2021 and 2022 unveiled that the authority received 75 OC applications but approved only 23. Similarly, between 2018 and 2020, BDA received 144 applications but processed merely 26. This significant number of rejected applications underscores the stringent standards set by BDA.
Furthermore, a Right to Information (RTI) request has unveiled that none of BDA's own commercial projects, including prominent complexes such as Indradhanu Market Complex, Priyadarsini Market Complex, and Suryakiran Market Complex, have received OCs from the agency itself. Instead, these projects have been allowed to operate based on lottery and auction outcomes and the submission of affidavits, casting doubt on the authority's own adherence to standards.
In other news, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has been accused of granting approvals for building plans in the city, a responsibility that rightfully belongs to the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). This practice not only contravenes established norms but also poses the risk of haphazard urban development, raising concerns about potential legal disputes for unsuspecting homebuyers.
In 2015, the housing and urban development department issued an order delegating the authority to approve building plans to all urban local bodies in the state. However, in the case of Bhubaneswar, the BMC was designated as the rightful entity to grant building plan approvals. Despite this clear mandate, the BDA has persistently continued to issue approvals within the BMC's jurisdiction, violating established regulations and norms.
This situation raises significant questions about urban planning and governance in Bhubaneswar. The allocation of responsibilities between municipal authorities and development bodies is critical for ensuring coordinated and sustainable urban development. When these lines of authority are blurred or violated, it can lead to chaos and unregulated growth, jeopardizing the long-term interests of the city and its residents.
In light of these concerning developments, it is imperative that the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) takes immediate steps to address the issues surrounding occupancy certificates (OCs) and building plan approvals. The revelation of a meagre 5% OC issuance rate underscores the need for stringent adherence to safety and compliance standards within the city. Additionally, the alleged overstepping of authority by the BDA in granting building plan approvals, a responsibility designated to the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), raises questions about governance and urban planning. Clear delineation of responsibilities is essential for fostering coordinated and sustainable urban development. Failure to rectify these issues could result in haphazard growth and legal complications, ultimately impacting the city's long-term welfare and the well-being of its residents.
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