HYDERABAD: Little over a month after the Government has come out with a new set of building rules, not a single multi-storeyed building is said to have come for final clearance either in the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad or Hyderabad Urban Development Authority.

Officially, the new rules issued through G.O. 86 in March first week are in force. But, apparently, there are no takers, with builders reportedly lobbying with the Government seeking relaxation on regulations like mortgaging a floor, no objection certificates, setbacks, etc.

"We fear that these penal clauses will only lead to harassment because minor deviations could be clubbed along with major ones and those with high connections can get away as it always happens," charges a builder.

Bank guarantee

A section of builders is also said to be offering a bank guarantee instead of mortgaging an entire floor as envisaged in the new rules. But, as things stand now, there is no indication of the Government having a change of mind, as there is a feeling among officials that rampant building violations can be curbed with stiff penal clauses alone.

"It is clear that over the years all other methods have failed and this could arrest the trend. Isn't it obvious by the way the builders are protesting that mortgaging a floor will pinch?" asks an official. Is it any wonder that applications seeking permits for new buildings have been very few?

In MCH alone, the number of applications has come down to 10 while it averages around 35 to 40 every month at the head office for multi-storeyed buildings.

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