The response to the town and country planning (TCP) department’s e-building plan approval management system (BPAMS) for automating building permissions has been poor, said TCP officials. Officials said that the online system, which was optional for three months, will become mandatory from November 1.
Unveiled as part of the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP), the online automated system for submission of construction plans for single dwelling units was meant to speed up clearances and reduce corruption, but the BPAMS has found few, if no takers.
According to TCP department officials, less than 30 architects and professionals have registered and authorised themselves on the portal.
The web-based online system allows architects to register themselves, submit building plans and seek technical clearances.
Based on the uploaded construction drawings, the software automatically scrutinises the plan, recommends site inspection and grants clearance.
“TCP department requests all professionals and architects to register on BPAMS, and on successful registration, to apply for online technical clearances,” the department said in a public notice for architects and construction stakeholders.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior department official said that not a single application for individual homes had been submitted online, with applicants still coming with physical drawings.
The online system was unveiled recently in order to improve ease of doing business and to grant technical clearances in a transparent manner. The online system has been made applicable for single family dwelling units or individual homes.
“The department has instructed all officials to stop accepting offline applications for single dwelling family units from November 2. TCP is looking forward for maximum participation and cooperation from professionals and architects to ensure efficient, transparent and time-bound service delivery to citizens,” said the senior TCP department officer.
TCP claims that it has conducted training programmes for architects and professionals to ensure a smooth rollout, but architects and professionals remain reluctant.