Occupancy Certificate is a Must, says Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA)

Builders, customers in for stricter regime

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Aug 13: Builders of commercial constructions and their customers are in for a stricter regime concerning occupancy certificate which is almost mandatory.

The move is aimed at ascertaining if apartments are constructed in accordance with their approved plans and within the parameters of building bye-laws. It is occupancy certificate that can bring all violations of laws or deviations in construction of an apartment from the approved plan to the fore. To seek for an occupancy certificate, a builder has to produce the completion certificate, the no-objection certificate for fire dousing devices, pollution and electrical gadgets, a photograph of the complete building etc. The issuance of the no-objection certificate ascertains in no uncertain terms that the apartment has been constructed in accordance with the approved plan and within the parameters of GMDA building bye-laws.

However, customers are always in a haste to take possession of their flats, and a section of builders avails that chance to bring changes in plans violating the approved plans. In doing so, some builders allow customers to take possession of their flats even when buildings are under construction. This practice keeps all violations of the GMDA bye-laws under the wraps.

However, now on the GMDA is going to be stricter in enforcing building bye-laws, especially in occupancy certificates. It has set a deadline of September 30 this year for those occupying their flats without occupancy certificates to get them issued from the GMDA.

An occupancy certificate is a document which is issued by an authority or agency concerned at the end of the construction of a building. This certificate is part of the building’s compliance with applicable building codes and other laws.

Talking to The Sentinel, GMDA CEO RK Mazumdar said: “Occupancy certificate is a must for customers and builders as well. Those who’re going to take possession of their flats from builders must get occupancy certificates from the GMDA. Those who’ve already taken possession of their flats without any occupancy certificates should also apply for that. According to the law, no person can move to a building without occupancy certificate.”