DTCP sets up five teams to inspect sites for building violations

The department of town and country planning (DTCP) has constituted five teams to keep a check on violations in buildings.

These teams, led by junior engineers, will inspect sites twice after the grant of OC — first within 10 days and the second within 45 days — and will report to the office of the district town planner. Post their reports, the department will initiate action against the violators.

“Unauthorised construction and alterations are rampant in several areas after the grant of OC. The inspections will help ascertain whether the property owners have adhered to the original building plan or carried out unauthorised construction,” said district town planner (enforcement) RS Batth.

“Once the occupation certificates are issued, our teams will visit the sites after 10 days and then again after 45 days and verify whether the construction is as per the approved building plan. Action will be taken accordingly which may include cancellation of OC, sealing or even demolition of a building,” he added. According to officials, the department is facing a tough time in controlling unauthorised construction, mostly by property owners who were granted OCs recently. “They have carried out construction in the front and rear areas of their plots and even in the stilt parking areas, in violation of norms,” said another official.

In 2019, the DTCP increased the floor area ratio (FAR) of plots measuring 300 sq yards to 264%, and 240% for bigger plots. The department even allowed the construction of a guard room and toilet in the stilt area.