11/08/2016
Now, change your flat interiors without BMC hassles :
Mumbai: Good news for the flat owners under Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC): Henceforth, interior alterations can be carried out without going through the tedious process of queuing up in front of the local civic ward offices. Only thing they have to do is to submit an online application with a declaration attested by a registered architect and licence surveyor. Also, no permission is required to fix grills or safety doors.
There were several complaints of anti-social elements or imposters from BMC trying to extort money whenever a flat owner takes up an alteration or amalgamation work. With simplified rules in place, things could be much smoother.
Vinod Chithore, chief engineer – development planning, building proposals department, said that all such approvals will be given on the spot, provided one has the required documents in place. While the online permissions with stipulated fees will take a month’s time, manual permissions will start this week. “Until now, there was ignorance about requirements of such permissions, which is why flat owners faced difficulties. But now we are creating awareness about the simplified norms so that citizens can benefit and carry out repair work without any tension,” said Chithore.
While earlier such approvals took 30-60 days’ time, now it will be given instantly. “If the person doesn’t have the papers in place he might be denied permission. In such cases, if the refusal doesn’t come within seven days with reasons, the applicant can consider their application as approved and commence the repair works,” he said.
Municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta, on Monday, approved the proposal moved by the Building Proposals Department of the BMC. The amendments are now made in the Mumbai Municipal Act 342 pertaining to miscellaneous proposals internal changes. “This move will help the owners to carry out small changes like alteration or amalgamation... However, while carrying out the repairs and changes, the flat owner, architect and the surveyor will have to keep in mind a few important aspects, which will include not causing harm to the structure,” said a civic official.
He added that the owner must keep in mind that while changing the sides of kitchen platform or changing the position of bathroom or toilet the original storm water line or sewer lines are not changed.
The official said that the miscellaneous proposals will now have to be submitted online. The owner will now have to submit a self-declaration, attested by a registered architect and licensed surveyor, while submitting the application. “This attestation and the declaration will be mandatory,” he said.
