In over a month since the rules were relaxed just one occupation certificate granted to the property owner by an architect in the city has been received by the State Government Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP).
It appears that architects aren’t clear about the process or they don’t want to be part of the process due to fears that any errors or violation of building code could get them blacklisted, DTCP officials said.
In November the department decided to allow empanelled architects to issue occupancy certificates (OCs) for plotted houses in licensed colonies. The move was meant to expedite the process of obtaining an OC and make it simpler for a house owner to get the certificate. But the decision has also sparked concerns about architects being manipulated into granting the papers and allowing violations like illegal extensions from going undetected.
District town planners headquartered in RS Batth who also hold the charge of Karnal said that around six applicants across multiple districts had been submitted since the new guidelines were issued. This includes the one application in Gurgaon.
Batth added that the department is trying to ease the architect’s concerns. For their convenience we have also created a template through which they can complete the process, he said.
To check for any ethical violations, DTCP had said it will carry out random inspections of the properties certified. If any violations are found, the architect who gave the OC would be accountable for the loss of license or blacklisting among the possible repercussions.
Gurgaon district planner (planning) Sanjay Kumar said the department held a meeting with architects recently. In case they have any confusion or need clarity, they can approach us. The most important step is to ensure there is no violation of the Harayana Building Code,” he said.
