GURUGRAM: Haryana’s self-certification policy for issuing occupation certificates (OCs) in licensed colonies is facing criticism. A joint investigation by the CM’s Flying Squad and the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) uncovered several buildings that were granted OCs despite being incomplete.
Inspections in licensed colonies revealed ongoing construction with buildings lacking basic finishing touches, yet they were marked as complete in official records.
Following the findings, show-cause notices have been issued to multiple architects, and departmental action is underway. Investigations into additional suspected violations are ongoing.
This inquiry has raised concerns about the framework established in November 2022, which allows empanelled architects to inspect buildings, certify compliance with the Haryana Building Code-2017, and issue OCs directly to property owners, without the mandatory physical verification from the department for every case. Applications are submitted through an online portal, but only a fraction undergo random checks, leaving the majority to rely solely on the architects’ certifications.
In the previous system, the process had multiple levels of scrutiny: architects submitted applications to the DTCP, junior engineers conducted site inspections, assistant town planners verified reports, the accounts branch examined fee payments, and finally, the district town planner granted the OC.
Residents expressed concerns, emphasizing that these irregularities undermine the very guarantee that an OC provides. “When people buy homes, they assume the OC indicates the building has passed all required inspections. Issuing certificates for incomplete structures erodes buyers’ trust and poses significant safety risks,” remarked Rakesh Kumar, a New Gurgaon resident.
Another resident, Sunita Sharma, urged for independent inspections prior to families occupying any buildings. “While the policy might aim to streamline approvals, there must be stringent accountability,” she stated.
The issue is also set to be litigated. Senior Supreme Court advocate Nivedita Sharma highlighted that the findings suggest widespread misuse. “Certifying under-construction buildings as complete violates building regulations and jeopardizes public safety,” she noted, adding that she is preparing a petition for the Punjab and Haryana High Court, calling for either the policy’s withdrawal or a complete overhaul to include mandatory verification and clear accountability for architects involved.
The results of the ongoing departmental inquiry will likely determine the potential further disciplinary and legal actions against the implicated architects.
