Govt to come up with new building byelaws: Dhar

SHILLONG, JAN 27: The state government has assured to amend the notification for handing over the power to the autonomous district councils (ADCs) for issuing of building permission in areas outside the municipalities.

This was informed by the Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar after chairing a meeting with the ADCs on Wednesday to discuss the new building byelaws.

During the meeting, the chief executive members (CEMs) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) have requested the minister’s intervention for withdrawing the said notification to avoid confusion.

It may be mentioned here that the notification issued by the Urban Affairs Department on February 1, 2019 had notified the three ADCs – KHADC, JHADC & GHADC to implement the building bye-laws in areas outside municipalities.

However, the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) was also notified as the authority for giving building permissions for areas under municipal areas and scheme areas.

The notification read – “The public desirous for applying building permission in the areas outside municipal limits may approach either of the above authorities (MUDA or ADCs) for obtaining their sanction of building permission, occupancy certificates, etc.”

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Dhar said the point raised by the district councils regarding the notification is very valid.

“Therefore in the next meeting, we will modify it (notification),” he said while adding that it is very clear that the ADCs will be the respective authorities to issue building permission in scheduled areas.

The minister also informed that the new building byelaws would soon be placed before the cabinet for its consideration.

Earlier, KHADC chief Titosstarwell Chyne said that the notification was creating a lot of confusion.

“We have therefore requested the government to withdraw the notification and to clearly bifurcate the areas falling under the MUDA and those falling under the ADCs,” he said.

On the new building byelaws proposed by the state government, Chyne said this will be applicable only for areas falling under the MUDA.

“However for areas outside municipalities, the ADCs are allowed to come up with their own separate building byelaws,” he said while informing that the KHADC’s building byelaws is ready.

On the other hand, JHADC chief Thombor Shiwot said they have requested the government to allow the JHADC to carry out minor amendments of its building byelaws.

By Our Reporter