Guwahati: Rainwater harvesting; violators to face GMC’s wrath

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: In a decisive move to promote sustainable urban development, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has issued a stringent directive mandating compliance with rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and green space maintenance regulations in all apartments in Guwahati. The order, grounded in the Guwahati Building Construction (Regulation) Byelaws, 2014, and the Assam Unified Building Construction (Regulation) Byelaws, 2022, will come into force with random inspections scheduled to begin on June 20.

As per the directive, all categories of buildings - residential apartments, commercial, industrial, and institutional - must incorporate proper infrastructure for rainwater conservation and groundwater recharge. At least 20% of the land area on each premise must be reserved for green spaces, including tree plantations.

In housing projects that avail a 25% Floor Area Ratio (FAR) relaxation, developers are now required to earmark 10% of the land for affordable housing provisions.

The move follows concerns raised by GMC over widespread non-compliance. The corporation observes that, with blithe disregard for the byelaws, many apartments have either neglected the installation of rainwater harvesting systems and percolation pits or allowed them to fall into disrepair. Additionally, in several locations, green areas have been illegally repurposed or built over, further compounding environmental concerns.

"Random inspections will be conducted starting June 20 to ensure all premises meet the mandatory requirements. Non-compliance will attract penalties under the Guwahati Municipal Corporation Act, 1971," a GMC official stated. The penalties could include monetary fines, revocation of occupancy certificates, sealing of premises, and other legal actions deemed necessary.

GMC has called upon all property owners, developers, and builders to proactively restore and maintain the required infrastructure and green spaces to avoid punitive action.

With urban flooding and groundwater depletion becoming pressing issues in the region, the GMC's enforcement initiative marks a significant step toward environmental accountability and sustainable city planning.

 Also read: Guwahati: AREIDA to hold meet on rainwater harvesting regulations

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