Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has issued occupancy certificates (OCs) to only 49 buildings in the past five years. Technically, buildings that do not have OCs should not get electricity, water, sewerage and sanitation services.
OC is given to buildings constructed following environmental, fire safety, planning and other norms.
Sources in the real estate industry said every year, around 200 buildings come up in Bhubaneswar. This means, of the approximate 1,000 structures built in the past five years, only 5% have OCs.
BDA’s annual report shows that in 2021 and 2022, it received 75 applications for OCs of which it cleared only 23. Between 2018 and 2020, BDA got 144 applications of which it processed 26.
“The number of rejected applications during these three years has been high. “A certificate for occupancy is issued when the norms mentioned in the plan approval are met. It is rejected if the builder fails to adhere to the norms,” said” BDA vice-chairman Balwant Singh.
An RTI reply from BDA on OCs issued to its own buildings, especially commercial projects, revealed that none of the projects has received an OC from the agency itself. These have been allowed to go on lottery and auction based on affidavits. On its website, the BDA has listed 28 commercial projects, including Indradhanu Market Complex, Priyadarsini Market Complex and Suryakiran Market Complex among others.
“The occupancy certificate is an important document. It is proof that the building is safe. The way the development authority is dealing with the matter is quite alarming and surprising,” said urban planner Dipu Nanda.
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OC is given to buildings constructed following environmental, fire safety, planning and other norms.
Sources in the real estate industry said every year, around 200 buildings come up in Bhubaneswar. This means, of the approximate 1,000 structures built in the past five years, only 5% have OCs.
BDA’s annual report shows that in 2021 and 2022, it received 75 applications for OCs of which it cleared only 23. Between 2018 and 2020, BDA got 144 applications of which it processed 26.
“The number of rejected applications during these three years has been high. “A certificate for occupancy is issued when the norms mentioned in the plan approval are met. It is rejected if the builder fails to adhere to the norms,” said” BDA vice-chairman Balwant Singh.
An RTI reply from BDA on OCs issued to its own buildings, especially commercial projects, revealed that none of the projects has received an OC from the agency itself. These have been allowed to go on lottery and auction based on affidavits. On its website, the BDA has listed 28 commercial projects, including Indradhanu Market Complex, Priyadarsini Market Complex and Suryakiran Market Complex among others.
“The occupancy certificate is an important document. It is proof that the building is safe. The way the development authority is dealing with the matter is quite alarming and surprising,” said urban planner Dipu Nanda.
We also published the following articles recently
BDA violates norms, gives approval to building plans
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) in India is granting plan approvals for buildings in the city, despite the authority lying with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). This practice is seen as a violation of norms and could result in unplanned development. Experts warn that homebuyers could face unnecessary legal issues if a project is wrongly approved. The issue has been raised by corporators in meetings, with the BMC stating that the power has already been transferred. The BDA has begun transferring approval files to the BMC.
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) in India is granting plan approvals for buildings in the city, despite the authority lying with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). This practice is seen as a violation of norms and could result in unplanned development. Experts warn that homebuyers could face unnecessary legal issues if a project is wrongly approved. The issue has been raised by corporators in meetings, with the BMC stating that the power has already been transferred. The BDA has begun transferring approval files to the BMC.
BDA to take up six more town planning schemes
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) plans to implement six new town planning schemes in Chandaka and Pahala areas for the comprehensive development of the city. The BDA has already completed four schemes in Tamando and Chandaka, where private plots were taken over and developed in a planned manner. The BDA aims to undertake 45 town planning schemes covering an area of 9,171 acres. The completion of these schemes involves the construction of roads, water supply, sewerage, and other infrastructure.
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) plans to implement six new town planning schemes in Chandaka and Pahala areas for the comprehensive development of the city. The BDA has already completed four schemes in Tamando and Chandaka, where private plots were taken over and developed in a planned manner. The BDA aims to undertake 45 town planning schemes covering an area of 9,171 acres. The completion of these schemes involves the construction of roads, water supply, sewerage, and other infrastructure.
BDA takes up Centres challenge, sets ball rolling for new township
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) is progressing with its plans to develop a new township called Bhubaneswar New City on the outskirts of the city. After conducting an environmental assessment, the BDA has invited an agency to survey and demarcate the roads and plots for the project. The new city will cover an area of 314.5 hectares and will include knowledge-based industries, smart infrastructure, and an eco-inclusive habitat. The city will also focus on being resilient and will incorporate concepts such as a sponge city to prevent flooding.
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) is progressing with its plans to develop a new township called Bhubaneswar New City on the outskirts of the city. After conducting an environmental assessment, the BDA has invited an agency to survey and demarcate the roads and plots for the project. The new city will cover an area of 314.5 hectares and will include knowledge-based industries, smart infrastructure, and an eco-inclusive habitat. The city will also focus on being resilient and will incorporate concepts such as a sponge city to prevent flooding.
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