For around 440 old and dilapidated buildings in need of repair in the oldest city, Varanasi Development Authority has released a list of dos and don’ts, including the 200-metre area around the Ganga river bank.
VDA initiated the move after two dilapidated buildings collapsed in the Pancho Pandva area near Kashi Vishwanath Dham on Tuesday, claiming life of one woman. Eight persons, including a woman constable, suffered injuries in the incident.
After the incident, VDA issued a statement to make people aware of norms prescribed for repair and renovation of old buildings. VDA made it clear that repair or reconstruction of buildings in the 200 metres periphery of the Ganga could be done by following prescribed provisions. No prior permission from VDA is required for cement plastering or partial repair of walls, reconstruction of floors, whitewashing and painting, building septic tanks or soak pits, installing hand pumps, renovation and repair of sewage lines, pipes, cables, or other equipment, and constructing necessary structures on the terrace to generate solar energy.
As per letter issued by the municipal corporation, prior authorisation is required for reconstructing walls, demolishing and reconstructing the entire building, constructing parapets on roofs, balconies, or verandahs and making internal changes for better utilisation or to rectify architectural defects within the limited floor area.
VDA made it clear that new construction, contrary to the letter issued by the municipal corporation, are not permitted. No changes to the external appearance of the building are allowed.
The current use of the building must not be altered, and it should remain in its existing use. Unauthorised construction or use contrary to the letter will result in action as per the rules, said VDA. The authority also said that applications for repair/reconstruction of buildings within 200 metres of the Ganga riverbank can be made through its website or help desk. Applicants must submit a map of the existing building, ownership documents, location details, photographs from all available directions of the current state of the building, the letter issued by the municipal corporation, attaching affidavit along with the application form.
A general site inspection by the concerned zonal officer and junior engineer may be conducted to verify the application, said VDA, mentioning that applications will be resolved within 15 working days from the date of receipt by the authority. For information or issues related to the application process for repair/reconstruction of buildings within 200 metres of the Ganga bank, or to report any problems or intermediaries, the authority may be contacted on its helpline number 0524-2283305 or WhatsApp number 7518102822.
