BWSSB says no to NOC, Builders on edge
At a time when the real estate sector of the state is in a blue funk, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has made a rather “de trop” entry by ceasing the issue of No Objection Certificate for major housing units within the BBMP limits. The inability of the developers to ensure a feasible water supply to the occupants has called for such a hard-boiled decision by the BWSSB.
The essence of the NOC stands on the fact that without it the residential projects will not be able to buy out EC (environment clearance), which is a ‘must’ to begin construction. According to property analysts, the NOC from BWSSB is a pre-requisite for sanctioning of building plan by the BBMP or BDA. On the grounds of lack of permanent water supply, the BBMP has sanctioned the construction of mere 2553 apartments in the last 3 years.
Its impact
In what has been eyed as a big blow to the construction industry, BWSSB’s latest move have shelved more than 20 upcoming apartment projects in the city. In addition, the on-going construction works of half a dozen apartments in the city have hit a dead stop.
According to market news, builders and developers in the last two months have not submitted any new application plan for housing units. Lack of any viable source of water for most of the apartment projects have taken a toll on the growth of the realty sector of the state significantly.
Influence of Cauvery water
Going by the statements made by BWSSB officials, permits will be issued for the construction of apartments only to those projects that ensure a viable water source. Among different sources of water such as borewells and groundwater, Cauvery water is given special importance. Presence of Cauvery water in the periphery of the construction has turned out to be a de rigueur to obtain the NOC, according to key developers.
However, the major setback in this move is that the buildings which acquired NOC (in the past) are still hanging on to their hats for Cauvery water.The occupants of such buildings either use borewell or purchase tanker water. Key developers further corroborate the fact that another 10 years will be needed for the government to supply Cauvery water to the city. This raises the question- will BWSSB cease to give permission for construction of apartments for the coming 10 years?
