Building permission applications flood the GHMC
Hyderabad: There is a spurt in building permission applications, especially for ground and two upper floors due to the planning of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to reintroduce the mortgage rule for structures that come up in plot area of 120 square yards or above again.
The GHMC received applications amounting to roughly 3,500 in just two months (from April to June 1, 2013). Of the 3,500 applications, 3,040 applications pertained to ground and two (G+2) floors, which generally come up in 240 square yards or below and are permitted by circle-level offices. The highest number of applications – 712 was logged by LB Nagar circle, followed by Alwal circle – 323, Kukatpally – 260 and Rajendranagar circle – 197.The GHMC had given 14,885 permissions during 2012-13. Of the 14,885 permissions 12,886 were G+2 floors. 1,999 applications alone pertained to G+3 floors or above. Likewise, in 2011-12 the circle offices had released 8,559 G+2 permissions against the 10,221 building permissions issued.
As per GHMC chief city planner GV Raghu, usually permissions for buildings with G+2 floors are focused in the surrounding areas having scope for development. Sundry small builders at the same time, have been seekingpermissions for G+2 floors and then violating the building norms, convert them into apartments which are then sold to gullible people.
Currently, structures that are constructed on a plot area of or more than 240 square yards would fall under the perusal of the mortgage rule. In accordance with the rule, owners seeking building permission, would be required to mortgage either one floor or ten per cent of the total permitted built up area with the civic body.
In case the owner gets the building constructed without any deviations from the sanctioned plan along with obtaining occupancy certificate from the concerned municipal authorities; the mortgaged portion would then be released. If any deviations from the sanctioned plan are found or if there is any unauthorized constructed structure/structures, the civic body can exercise its powers and seize the mortgaged property.
The department of Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) implemented the mortgage rule for structures constructed either in 120 square yards or above until May of 2011. However, due to pressures from various quarters it was relaxed and was being implemented for 240 square yards and above plots.
