Lack of compliance with GMC building by-laws delays construction in Guwahati
Despite repeated efforts by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) to enforce its building regulations, many residents and builders continue to face obstacles in obtaining construction permits due to non-compliance with the by-laws. While some claim they have submitted all necessary documents, officials maintain that applications remain pending due to missing paperwork and failure to meet regulatory requirements.
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Talking to GPlus, a resident of Zoo Road, who has been struggling for five years to obtain permission for his building said, "I submitted all my documents, but my application was still rejected. My building has been lying incomplete, and I have no idea why it keeps getting delayed."
However, GMC officials assert that there are strict rules that must be followed before construction permits can be granted. "There are specific guidelines every builder must adhere to. If they fail to meet these criteria, their applications either remain pending or get rejected," a senior GMC official said.
To address the growing backlog of applications and ensure compliance with the rules, GMC has launched a special month-long drive in February to expedite the processing of building permissions, occupancy certificates, and regularisation applications for structures of all categories. This initiative will continue through March.
During a press conference held on January 27, GMC officials revealed that 197 building construction permits were still pending across the city. Mayor Mrigen Sarania assured that these cases would be resolved soon. "We are committed to ensuring a smoother process for builders and property owners. By March 1, we will issue all pending construction permits," he announced.
However, GMC officials emphasised that all applicants must comply with the by-laws before approvals can be granted. They outlined a detailed checklist that must be met for obtaining an Occupancy Certificate. (SEE CHART BELOW)
Despite the official efforts to streamline the process, delays persist. A GMC official pointed out that 88 buildings in the city remained incomplete in 2024 because applicants failed to submit all necessary documents. "The delays are not from our end. If even one document is missing, we cannot approve the building permit," the official stated.
He further explained that some builders proceed with construction without adhering to GMC’s guidelines, leading to further complications. "Many developers assume that submitting a partial application will be enough, but every requirement must be met before we can grant permission," he added.
Apart from document verification, several regulations govern the construction of buildings in Guwahati. One of the primary rules pertains to the maximum height of buildings and additional requirements for structures exceeding G+3 stories:
• The building height cannot exceed 1.5 times the width of the road plus the front open space.
• Residential buildings must not be cut by a 45-degree angle line drawn from the opposite edge of the road (except for G+2 structures).
• The existing width of the road will be considered for height calculations.
• Lift machine rooms, staircases, and parapets are not included in the total height.
• For buildings with stilt or semi-basement parking, the height of the parking floor (up to 3.0 meters) will not be considered in the total height, provided that the floor is exclusively used for parking.
He also added, "At least 20% of the plot area must be dedicated to tree plantation and greenery."
"50% of the land should be left as open space to maintain environmental balance.", he further added.
While GMC officials maintain that rules are being enforced to ensure planned development, many builders and property owners claim that the approval process remains lengthy and confusing.
One builder, who has been waiting for over a year for his construction permit, said, "The process is tedious. We keep going back and forth with documents. Each time, there is a new requirement that was not mentioned before. The system needs to be more transparent."
However, GMC officials argue that most delays occur due to incomplete applications. "If applicants submit all the required documents properly in one go, the process would be much faster. The rules are clearly outlined, and they have been in place for years," a GMC official responded.
Over the years, unauthorised constructions have become a major issue in Guwahati, leading to problems like traffic congestion, waterlogging, and increased risks during natural disasters. GMC has been cracking down on illegal structures and demolishing buildings that violate zoning laws.
The GMC official emphasised that strict action will be taken against those who construct buildings without proper approval. "There are many unauthorised constructions in the city. We have been conducting inspections and taking action against violators. If people follow the by-laws from the beginning, there would be fewer demolitions," he said.
As GMC continues its efforts to streamline the approval process, builders and property owners must ensure they comply with all regulations. While the enforcement of by-laws may seem strict, it is aimed at creating a safer, more organised, and environmentally friendly urban landscape.
However, for long-term progress, builders must be proactive in understanding and following GMC’s guidelines, rather than assuming approvals will be granted without full compliance. Only then can Guwahati achieve its vision of planned and sustainable development.
FOR CHART
Checklist for Occupancy Certificate
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) & Approved Plan
• As-built plan reflecting the final structure
• Verified land documents such as Zamabandi and Trace Map
• Completion Report in Form No. 16 submitted by the developer
• Building Completion Certificate from an Architect in Form No. 17
• Building Completion Certificate from a Construction Engineer in Form No. 18
• Building Completion Certificate from a Structural Engineer in Form No. 19
• Detailed Report from the Registered Technical Person (RTP) or owner, matching the as-built plan
• NOC from the Director of Fire Services (FESA) for applicable buildings
• Lift Inspector's Report for buildings with elevators
• Certification from the Chief Electrical Advisor
• Photographs of the building showing green spaces, dustbins, trees, and rainwater harvesting provisions
• Proper roadside drainage system connecting to the main outlet, as shown in the as-built plan
• Clearance from the Assam Ground Water Control & Regulation Authority for borewell installation
• Structural design proof-checked by SDRP for buildings taller than seven stories
• Form No. 27 to be submitted jointly by the applicant and RTP