Maha govt lays down norms for re-devpt of dilapidated bldgs

Maharashtra government has directed all municipal corporations in the state to conduct a survey of all old and dilapidated buildings before the onset of monsoon and disconnect water and electricity supply in case residents therein refuse to vacate them.
The civic bodies have been asked to follow the guidelines of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with regards to re-development of old and dilapidated buildings, an official from the Urban Development department said.
"Corporations have been asked to categorise as 'C-1' buildings that are in dire need of repairs and need to be vacated immediately by the residents.
"'C-2 (A)' category will be given if the building needs to be vacated in near future for structural repairs and 'C-2 (B)' category would mean that structural repairs can be done without its residents vacating the building. 'C-3' category is given for very minor repairs needed," he said.

The 'C-1' category buildings will warrant immediate vacation by issuing a notice under section 354 of BMC Act and the building will be demolished, he said.
The relevant authority responsible for repairs will be required to calculate the FSI of each tenant and give certificate of the same to the tenant and the building owner, the official said.

Municipal corporations have also been instructed to disconnect water and electricity supply to residents if they refuse to vacate the building and there is a danger to their lives.
"The authority will also submit an affidavit before the court stating they would not be responsible for loss of lives and property if there is an injunction by the court," he said.

At the same time, the authority will be required to file a caveat before the court to lift the stay orders.
"The responsibility of shifting people living in dangerous buildings will be with the police. Also, in case of a corporation building, the civic body will need to make an alternate accommodation arrangement," the official added.