MUMBAI: The BMC is set to launch an amnesty scheme aimed at granting occupation certificates (OC) to buildings that have been occupied for years without the necessary approvals.
This initiative seeks to resolve a long-standing issue affecting numerous residential buildings throughout the city and its suburbs. According to civic officials, the scheme will pertain to structures built before November 17, 2016, including those that faced issues due to deviations from approved plans or additional constructions that barred them from receiving OC certification.
At present, while these buildings receive water supply on humanitarian grounds, they are billed at significantly elevated rates compared to standard tariffs. The lack of an OC has also resulted in legal and financial complications for residents, particularly as developers have largely withdrawn from these projects, officials noted.
The guidelines currently being developed by the BMC’s building proposals and development planning department indicate that residential buildings, hospitals, and schools will be eligible for the scheme. However, eligibility will be limited to structures or portions thereof that were occupied prior to the November 2016 cut-off date. Additionally, housing units with a carpet area of up to 80 square meters will qualify. The scheme proposes a 50% concession on various fees, including regularization, penalties, and application costs. Those who submit proposals within the first six months after the scheme’s launch will be exempt from penalties, while later submissions will receive partial concessions.
In August of this year, residents of the 18 upper floors of Wellingdon Society in Tardeo were instructed to vacate their flats due to the absence of an OC, prompting intervention from former BJP MP Gopal Shetty.
Officials emphasized that this scheme is not designed to regularize illegal constructions and will not cover unauthorized buildings.
This initiative follows directives from the state urban development department, which has expanded the eligibility cut-off date from March 25, 1991, to January 6, 2012, and considers buildings occupied before November 2016.
The proposal and its accompanying guidelines will be presented to the municipal corporation and the standing committee for approval. Once sanctioned, the scheme will be implemented by means of an official circular.
