Properties in Gurugram
The self-certification system in place in Haryana, to issue Occupation Certificates (OCs), is facing grave criticism with regulators uncovering rampant cases of violations by architects and builders, posing pressing concerns on the safety of residents.
The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) of Haryana has served show-cause notices to 13 architects who are believed to have issued OCs on 20 buildings in blatant violation of the Haryana Building Code, 2017. The three days are in which the architects should reply to or they are blacklisted and sued.
What Is the Self-Certification Scheme?
Haryana has a self-certification scheme which introduced to speed up the OC approval process, allowing architects and engineers to certify compliance in a building, bypassing the usual government inspection. Though the move was aimed at alleviating bureaucracy, which hinders construction schedules, the critics maintain that the move has served as a loophole by unscrupulous construction companies to avoid important safety checks.
The updated Haryana Building Code framework mandates high-risk buildings to receive OC approvals conducted by empanelled third-party professionals, whereas low-risk structures, such as plotted residential units can use self-certification. But the present breaches indicate that enforcement is still a big loophole.
Safety at Risk, Homebuyers Pay the Price
The effects on homebuyers have been dire. In a recent case, Haryana RERA ordered Ansal Housing Limited to repay homebuyers of 77.35 lakh plus interest, after concluding that the builder had given possession without a valid OC, a full ten years after the agreed date of possession.
The troubling trend of such cases is that the developers who provide possession and bring an extra demand on the buyers are not even complying with the required certification standards.
What Experts and Regulators Recommend
To address growing concerns, the DTCP is now evaluating a range of corrective measures including:
- More frequent site inspections for high-risk structures
- Tighter monitoring of OC approvals under the self-certification route
- Mandatory training workshops for architects on building code compliance
- Launch of a public online e-register to improve transparency and accountability
Industry observers also emphasize that although Haryana is currently undergoing some liberal reforms such as commercial building Floor Area Ratio (FAR) free of restriction, adherence should not be compromised. Malls, IT parks, and high-rises will still have to obtain fire safety clearances before being given OC permissions.
Why This Matters for Real Estate Buyers
An OC is not paperwork only. In its absence, property occupation becomes illegal, obtaining home loans becomes more difficult, resale value is lowered, and residents are under the threat of fines or eviction. The present crisis reveals that hurrying approvals ought never to be done at the expense of structural safety.
The real estate market in Haryana is in a crossroad – the reform-oriented development is welcome, though they must be based on the pillars of responsibility, strict checks and controls, and no tolerance of breaking the law.
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