A mere five percent of buildings within the geographical boundaries of the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) have acquired occupancy certificates, as stipulated by the state government's building bylaws, according to an official from the civic body.
Among the 2,451 building plans sanctioned by the RMC from 2020 to 2023, builders have submitted merely 173 applications for mandatory occupancy certificates. Within this, 128 applications gained approval, 38 faced rejections, and five are currently undergoing the verification process, as stated by the official.
In the past, the necessity for occupancy certificates was limited to multi-storeyed buildings in the capital city. However, a significant amendment to the building bylaws in December 2023 expanded the scope to include two and three-storeyed structures, making occupancy certificates mandatory for them as well. Arun Kumar, the town planner at RMC, explained that this decision serves the purpose of curbing illegal constructions by clearly identifying structures and taking appropriate actions against violators. Furthermore, Kumar emphasized that multi-storey buildings lacking certificates might face penalties, including the possibility of being sealed. This comprehensive approach underscores the municipality's commitment to promoting legal and safe construction practices.
For developers engaged in the construction of multi-storey buildings, the mandatory submission of completion certificates to the RMC initiates a thorough inspection by engineers from the civic body's town planning wing. This inspection encompasses various criteria, ensuring adherence to approved plans, provision of essential amenities, and compliance with safety measures such as wide roads, fire safety setbacks, staircases, water tanks, and fire alarms. The meticulous examination underscores the commitment to ensuring that constructed buildings meet established standards and safety protocols.
For buildings exceeding the Ground + fourth floor configuration, specific requirements have been established to enhance safety and accessibility. A minimum of a 30-feet wide road is mandated, ensuring ample space for the movement of fire-fighting vehicles. Additionally, a 15-feet wide setback is necessary to facilitate effective firefighting operations. The building design must incorporate staircases on two sides, both above and below ground, providing multiple evacuation routes in case of emergencies. Other essential features include the installation of underground and overhead water tanks to ensure an adequate water supply for firefighting purposes. Furthermore, the inclusion of fire alarms is obligatory in both apartments and commercial buildings, enhancing overall safety measures in compliance with established standards.
Kumar stated that builders found in violation of building standards may receive notices consequently.
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