The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) in Haryana is set to conduct hearings for architects implicated in issuing occupation certificates (OCs) for four-storey buildings with stilt parking, in defiance of state regulations. This move marks a significant step in addressing violations within the real estate sector and ensuring compliance with the law.
The DTCP’s director announced fines of ₹2 lakh for each violation, as 18 architects were found complicit in issuing occupation certificates (OCs) for structures exceeding permitted heights. Senior Town Planners will oversee hearings where architects can present their cases. Decisions on their registration will depend on penalty payments. This initiative follows a February 2023 ban on constructing four-storey buildings with stilt parking, which many developers circumvented. The resulting OCs raised serious public safety concerns. While some architects expressed remorse, with one requesting reinstatement after acknowledging an error, another defended his actions, citing ambiguous guidelines and calling for clearer regulations to avoid future issues.
Blacklisted architects, including, facilitated the issuance of occupation certificates (OCs) in collusion with builders, raising critical questions about ethical practices in the profession. As the DTCP conducts hearings, the implications for sustainable urban development are significant. Regulatory compliance is vital for creating safe, well-planned environments. While holding architects accountable is essential, the government must also provide clear guidelines to prevent future violations. The emotional toll on architects facing penalties, builders involved, and homebuyers affected by illegal constructions underscores the need for a balanced approach to enforcement and clarity in regulations as stakeholders await the hearings’ outcomes.
