In coming future, focus will be on planned growth of cities in Jharkhand. This was made clear by the draft of State’s new building bylaws presented by State Urban Development and Housing departments on Saturday.
The department tabled the draft at a congregation of builders, architects and departmental officials for their consideration and suggestions to better the bylaws.
“Building bylaws are the heart of town planning. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders involved to formulate and effectively enforce the bylaws governing town planning,” Urban Development and Housing CP Singh.
“Unorganised expansion of cities deprives its residents of basic amenities. We admire the urban infrastructure of other cities but the only thing stopping us from getting the same facilities in our cities is our mentality. The building bylaws we propose here are meant to give an appropriate direction to urbanisation,” stated department Principal Secretary Arun Kumar Singh.
He further added, “Any objections or proposals about the new building bylaws should be brought to our attention in writing. The application should enlist the provisions to be amended, what amendments ought to be made and reasons substantiating the request.”
The Urban Development Minister voiced few suggestions of his own. “The width of street in front of the plot should be made a decisive factor while formulating building plans. Also, architects should be given the power to approve building plans spanning over a designated area so cut down hassle involved in the process,” he said.
He further added, “Solar energy and water harvesting, along with other environment-friendly practices, should be introduced in the building bylaws and strictly followed.”
Building plans in violation of building bylaws and comprise with quality of building materials are not acceptable, Singh said. He continued, “Architects should not make house plans which do not adhere to building bylaws, even if this leads to monetary losses, nor should builders compromise on the quality of building materials they use. Discrepancies of this sort are harmful, in terms of money and life, to those who buy houses not in accordance to the set norms.”
Singh also suggested that structures meant for residential purposes and without approved building plans, which do not encroach over others land, should be regularised as this will help in shielding their owner from ‘blackmail’ they have to endure at the hands of government officials.
“We will be formulating plans to ensure facilities to those living 20-30 km outside city limits as the current rate of city growth will encompass these areas too in coming years,” Singh said.
Meanwhile, it seems Ranchi is getting closer to the much-awaited monorail. “We have had discussions and presentations on the monorail, and Chief Minister has shown interest in expediting the project. Work is also going on in Ranchi Master Plan,” informed Singh.