The GMC’s regulations clearly distinguish between legal and illegal rooftop constructions, but the enforcement of these rules appears inconsistent at best
In Guwahati, illegal rooftop structures have become a widespread concern, raising questions about the competence and vigilance of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC). Despite the city’s rapid urbanisation and the increasing number of buildings cropping up, the GMC’s enforcement capabilities remain woefully inadequate. As a result, illegal constructions are thriving in plain sight, creating a potentially dangerous situation for residents, all while the GMC appears helpless in the face of these growing violations.
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One of the most troubling aspects of this issue is the additional structures being erected atop residential and commercial buildings without proper approval. Many building owners who have acquired legal permissions to construct their buildings are taking liberties by adding extra levels on their rooftops. These additions typically manifest in the form of open terrace setups with roofs supported by pillars or enclosed rooms for storage and other purposes. However, there is widespread confusion among the public about whether these modifications are legally permitted.
According to the GMC’s guidelines, only roofs supported by pillars—whether made of iron or cement—are allowed for rainwater harvesting systems. Enclosed cemented structures, however, can be deemed illegal based on the bylaws. An official from the GMC, speaking to GPlus under the condition of anonymity, clarified, “For rainwater harvesting, only roofs are permitted. Enclosed structures are prohibited unless they fall within the building’s sanctioned measurements. If a building has been approved for a structure of 2,000 square feet and the construction adheres to less than that measurement while meeting all necessary requirements, the owner may enclose the space with walls. However, this is contingent on paying the appropriate fees or taxes to the GMC.
The GMC’s regulations clearly distinguish between legal rooftop constructions meant for functional purposes, such as rainwater harvesting, and illegal structures used for additional living or storage space. Yet, the enforcement of these rules appears inconsistent at best. “If the structure doesn’t adhere to the guidelines, we issue a notice to demolish it,” the GMC official added. “If the owner fails to comply, our enforcement department takes over and conducts the demolition.
But, on the ground, the reality is starkly different. The GMC’s enforcement mechanisms are severely constrained by a lack of resources, particularly manpower. According to sources within the corporation, it is virtually impossible for the GMC to conduct regular inspections of every building in the city. Instead, the corporation relies on public complaints to initiate any action. Once a complaint is lodged, a team is dispatched to verify the claims and make decisions based on their findings. As the GMC official admitted, “It is impossible for us to inspect every building due to limited manpower. However, we attend to complaints and take action where necessary.
This reactive approach has understandably left many residents concerned. Numerous buildings across Guwahati have visibly altered rooftops, with additional structures that appear to have been erected without proper authorisation. Whether these modifications are legal or illegal remains a mystery to most citizens, as there is little clarity or transparency in the process. In the meantime, more and more buildings are being constructed, and the GMC seems unable to keep pace with the city’s development.
One particularly frustrated resident expressed his concerns anonymously, stating, “You can see these extra rooftop structures everywhere you look. It’s hard to know what’s legal or not. If the GMC can’t regulate these buildings, what’s the point of having rules at all?"
Another resident shared a similar sentiment, saying, “The GMC is supposed to be in charge of these things, but they’re clearly overwhelmed. Buildings are going up with extra rooms on top, and nobody seems to care. It’s only a matter of time before something serious happens."
The proliferation of illegal rooftop structures poses not just a legal problem but a significant safety concern as well. In older buildings, which are already at risk due to years of wear and tear, the addition of unauthorised structures can exacerbate structural weaknesses. A few incidents have already been reported where portions of older buildings have collapsed, highlighting the urgent need for stricter oversight and regulation.
However, even when these incidents occur, the GMC is often slow to react. With its limited resources, the corporation struggles to monitor the condition of ageing buildings, let alone inspect new ones for compliance. A source from within the GMC admitted, “We simply don’t have the capacity to keep track of every old building. The issue of structural safety is becoming more pressing, but we lack the tools and manpower to address it comprehensively.”
Guwahati is not the only city grappling with these challenges. Across India, urban centres are facing similar problems as rapid development outpaces the ability of local authorities to regulate construction effectively. Yet, in cities like Bengaluru, steps are being taken to address the issue. There, authorities have implemented technological solutions, such as real-time construction monitoring systems, which allow for better oversight and quicker identification of illegal structures.
In stark contrast, Guwahati’s municipal authorities appear stuck in outdated methods. The lack of modern enforcement tools and the reliance on public complaints for action underscores the GMC’s helplessness and consequent inefficiency. As the city continues to grow, the absence of effective regulation creates an environment ripe for disaster.
As frustration among residents mounts, it is clear that a change is needed. The GMC must prioritise improving its enforcement capabilities, allocating more resources to inspect both new and old buildings regularly. Without such measures, the city risks becoming a landscape of unregulated construction, where safety is compromised, and the rule of law is ignored.
In the end, the rising number of illegal structures atop buildings in Guwahati serves as a glaring reminder of the GMC’s inadequacies. While the city continues to expand, the corporation’s failure to act swiftly and decisively could have dire consequences. Guwahati’s residents deserve a safer, more accountable city, but until the GMC reforms its approach, that vision remains far from reality.
