New bylaws to govern construction in MC limits

Tribune News Service

Patiala, December 7

The Department of Local Government has notified new byelaws for the construction of buildings in the Municipal Corporation. The department has laid rules for inspectors, municipal town planners (MTPs), assistant town planners (ATPs) and architects to check violations.

The department has also left out draftsmen, diploma and certificate holders from ITIs and polytechnic colleges from the list of those competent for the preparation of building plans.

The laws laid down are expected to act as deterrent against violations in construction of buildings within the limits of the Municipal Corporations of Punjab. The notification of the laws was done on November 22.

The laws state that MTPs and ATPs will authenticate and provide demarcation of the construction area as per sanctioned plan to ensure that proper space for parking and setbacks is kept intact. 

All reports of inspectors, including excavation process, building till and after the plinth level, will be authenticated by ATPs.

The byelaws mention that occupation of any building will not be allowed without obtaining completion certificate. “Unauthorised building construction activities will be personally monitored by the MTPs every week and also reviewed at the level of the designated enforcement authority fortnightly,” the notification reads.

The authority has stated that: “Action could be taken against town planners, architects, engineers and other officials if found violating rules.”

What the laws say

• MTPs and ATPs to demarcate the construction area as per the sanctioned plan.
• All reports of inspectors, including excavation process, building till and after the plinth level, to be authenticated by the ATPs.
• Occupation of any building not to be allowed without completion certificate. 
• ATPs to monitor unauthorised construction activities every week and review it fortnightly at the level of the designated enforcement authority.