Starting in January, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will introduce a streamlined process allowing owners of small plots to commence house construction within a week of submitting building plans. This departure from the previous bureaucratic approach enables plot owners with small plots, not exceeding seven cottahs, to have their plans sanctioned by engaging an architect or licensed building surveyor (LBS) without direct intervention from KMC buildings department officials. The initiative, designed to expedite approvals and enhance transparency, involves online plan submissions, swift sanctions, and subsequent inspections to ensure adherence to the approved plans.
In January, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is set to introduce a special provision for owners of small plots, allowing them to commence house construction within a week of submitting building plans. Departing from the previous practice of compulsory plan submission to the KMC buildings department and lengthy clearance waiting times, plot owners with plots no larger than seven cottahs can now have their plans sanctioned by engaging an architect or licensed building surveyor (LBS) without direct intervention from buildings department officials. The new system, designed to be user-friendly, is undergoing preparations, and an interactive session was recently conducted with architects and LBS to familiarize them with the process.
According to a modified KMC building rule, owners seeking to construct a building or apartment must enlist the services of an architect or LBS and apply online for a house sanction plan. Once uploaded, the plan will be considered sanctioned by the civic authority upon calculation and payment of the building sanction fee. Subsequently, KMC buildings department inspectors will assess the construction's adherence to the sanctioned plan after the completion of the plinth area.
A KMC buildings department official outlined the inspection timeline, stating, "We will send our inspectors five-six months after the construction of the foundation and plinth area to assess if the construction is going on in accordance with the KMC building rules. Any deviation from the sanctioned plan will lead to the revocation of the building plan." However, another official added that, under special circumstances, civic inspectors may conduct surprise visits to check for anomalies.
This initiative represents a significant departure from the traditional bureaucratic process, aiming to expedite construction approvals for small plot owners and foster a more efficient and transparent system. The engagement of architects and LBS in the online application process is expected to simplify procedures for plot owners and contribute to a quicker turnaround in obtaining plan sanctions. The KMC's proactive approach in conducting interactive sessions with stakeholders demonstrates a commitment to ensuring a smooth transition to the new system. As the implementation of this streamlined process approaches, it holds the promise of reducing red tape and facilitating timely construction activities in Kolkata.
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