PRAYAGRAJ: For those looking to build homes in Prayagraj, there’s good news. The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the new Building Construction and Development Byelaws 2025. This means that individuals constructing homes on plots of up to 100 sqm will no longer need to seek approval for building plans.
This initiative aims to make the construction process easier and will be implemented across various development authorities, including the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA).
The new bylaws represent a significant relief for middle-class families in Prayagraj. They will no longer face a burden of approximately Rs 1.25 lakh for map approval fees, or have to navigate a lengthy clearance process.
This transformation will streamline and accelerate homebuilding, enhancing accessibility and affordability for many.
Additionally, the new bylaws facilitate more versatile building usages. For instance, shops can be established in residences situated on wide roads. Professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, architects, and designers, will be allowed to set up offices at home, provided they have adequate parking. Schools without dormitories may operate on roads that are at least 9 metres wide, and shopping malls can develop on roads 18 metres wide. Group housing projects will also see simplified approvals for plots of up to 1,500 square metres.
However, it’s important to note that these changes do not extend to designated restricted areas such as the Mela zone, illegal colonies, and unauthorized plotted developments, where construction without map approval will still be prohibited. The new policy is also set to de-seal many previously sealed structures, most of which were built on plots close to 100 square metres. The implementation of these bylaws is expected to significantly boost housing and retail activities, while also increasing revenues for the PDA.
PDA vice-chairman Amit Pal Sharma stated, “While the Cabinet has approved the new bylaws, we are awaiting an official government order. Once received, the rules will be enforced throughout the city.” He added, “We will provide staff training on the provisions outlined in the new bylaws and will update the software accordingly, aiming for the greater benefit of homeowners.”
In related news, Jitendra Singh has officially stepped into the role of town planner for the PDA, taking over after a week-long vacancy following the transfer of the former chief town planner, TP Singh. Singh was previously posted in Jhansi, and he assumed his position during a ceremony attended by Sharma and PDA secretary Ajit Singh.
