Building by-laws

SHILLONG, JUNE 18: The state government on Thursday proposed amendment of the Meghalaya Building By-Laws 2011 to ensure that there is ‘there is no ambiguity’ while implementing the provisions of the law.

“There has been an amendment of the Meghalaya Building by-laws in 2011 and this has been further examined by the department concerned and felt it necessary that some more amendment to ensure there is no ambiguity’,” chief minister Mukul Sangma told newsmen after a cabinet meeting.

The Meghalaya Building By-laws was notified in 2001 for regulating the construction and maintenance of building in the urban areas of the state.

On the other hand, Meghalaya urban affairs minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said that amendment was felt necessary after it was observed that there has been ‘misinterpretation’ of some provisions related to the definition of ground level and basement, parking related height concession for buildings and consequent violations.

Lyngdoh said that the state government is also contemplating to review the provisions related to the height of buildings for aesthetic and consequent management for the horizontal growth in the city. She said, “The Meghalaya Building By-laws 2011 is proposed to amend by incorporating clear definition on basement floors and clear definition on ground floors.”

Lyngdoh added that the amendment will also provide clear specification of parking space for residential and apartment usages, fixing of building height from ground level to basement level. He said,  “It also sought fixing of permissible floor to a maximum of 4 floors of 14 meters without basement and 5 floors of 17 meters with basement wherever technically feasible.”

According to Lyngdoh, earlier, the bylaws were amended from March 12, 2011 by incorporating structural safety requirements, licensing of architects and engineers, facilities for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), one additional floor the ground floor which is used for parking, introduction of special building categories and others.

Lyngdoh also added that the state government may further impose further restriction on height and usages of buildings in different areas of the city once the ‘zoning regulation’ as prescribed under the Meghalaya Town and Country Planning Act is approved.- By Our Reporter