There are a lot of buildings popping up in the local area recently. Just as in the US where people will hire a Sacramento general contractor to do the work, back here more businesses seem to rise to the task of construction than ever before. More companies are confident enough in the economy to make all the purchases required to complete a building. From paying for the land, workers, earthmoving machinery, excavator attachment hire, and materials, it all comes from the confidence of the construction companies. However, the rate that the new buildings are being created is causing a few safety concerns. Any construction activity in the local, fast developing towns will now have to be undertaken under the strict supervision of a professional as per the building norms, failing which the registration of the architect, structural engineer or the contractor could be revoked by the Town and Country Planning department. The Department of Town and Country Planning (TCP) has devised this mechanism to ensure that buildings are constructed as per the approved plan and structural designs. Wearing the right safety gear is of importance too, and must be stuck too, from welding safety coats to steel toe boots.
The policy will initially be applicable in the five town of Shimla, Solan, Kullu, Palampur and Dharamsala which are witnessing rapid growth. However, only moderate and high risk structures will come under the ambit of this policy, exempting small low risk structures being made by people for self use. Since the TCP Department lacks sufficient number of technical staff, it was felt to partner with private professionals registered with the government to take this responsibility.
Registered private professionals would include architects, engineers, surveyors, town planners and structural engineers. They would be required to ensure that the constructions are as per the sanctioned plan. With unauthorized constructions made in violation of the norms mushrooming, the government was forced to bring in six retention policies and an amendment in the Town and Country Planning to legalise the status of about 25,000 such unauthorized buildings.
The amendments made in the TCP Act by the state government to provide relief to the violators has been challenged in the high court and its outcome will determine the relief to be given to the people, who have raised buildings in violations of the norms. In fact, ensuring strict supervision of construction work is mandatory under Section 23(4) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 but it was not being adhered to till now, resulting in unregulated and haphazard urban growth. The high court had earlier barred the state government from bringing in another retention policy, resulting in the amendment being termed as a one-time settlement.
The professional engaged for the construction activity will inform the TCP about the completion of work within seven days after it is done. Similarly, he or she will also inform the concerned agency to obtain the completion and occupancy certificate.The main objective behind the coming out with the policy is to ensure that there are no deviations and violations in constructed as they be detected immediately so that corrective measures can be taken.
News Source Tribune India
