Multi-layered system easy to beat for builders

Hyderabad: A peculiar building approval system, which involves multiple agencies, allows more scope for irregularities.  

The approval norms in municipalities and municipal corporations are based on the height of the building. For higher buildings in municipalities, applicants have to approach regional officers in RDMA (Regional Directorate of Municipal Administration) in Warangal and Hyderabad.

The northern districts of TS come under Warangal’s jurisdiction, while southern districts are under Hyderabad’s jurisdiction. For construction of buildings upto 300 sq yards, permission will be given by the respective municipalities. For construction of 1,000 metre multi-storied buildings, the municipalities are empowered to give permission.  

For buildings constructed on 301 to 999 square yards, and multi-storied buildings above 1,000 metres, the permission of regional directors in RDMA is required.
For buildings constructed over an extent of 1,000 sq yards, the permission of commissioner and directorate of municipal administration is required.

But builders in urban areas located in districts avoid approaching higher officials in Hyderabad and Warangal and instead take permission at local level, up to the permitted limit, and then deviate from the approved plan and construct illegal buildings by bribing officials.

They do so in the hope that the illegal extra floors will be ‘regularised’ later. Local officials themselves suggest to builders that they apply for BRS, LRS schemes and promise to regularise the illegal buildings.