http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Tough-rules-to-rein-in-builders-flouting-norms/articleshow/38983290.cms
Tough rules to rein in builders flouting norms
CHANDIGARH: Despite irregularities in the case of upcoming projects, promoters will be liable to punishment of up to seven years if they fail to develop the project in accordance with rules. However, provisions may have come too late as a series of projects without proper amenities have already come up.
"All these years, there was no provision in the Act for prohibiting development of illegal colonies and illegal construction, as a result of which a number of unauthorized colonies have come up," said an official.
An attempt has been made to make existing rules stringent with the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2014. Despite "PUDA-approved' or "GMADA-approved" claims of developers, many projects in the state have not been completed in time or possession has been given to buyers without proper development of the colony.
"Buyers from Chandigarh are heading towards Kharar and Zirakpur, where a flat can be bought for Rs 35 to Rs 40 lakh. But the catch is that these areas do not have proper sewerage, roads are bad and power supply is erratic," said Davinder Kumar, president of Chandigarh Property Dealers' Association.
According to the amended Act, if the promoter does not develop the land in line with the provisions of Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act, 1995, he or his agent can be punished with imprisonment for a minimum of three years which can be extended to seven years and minimum fine of Rs 2 lakh, which may extend to Rs 5 lakh.
"The provision may have been made in the law but there is no system of regular inspection of the housing projects to check for compliance. Smaller housing units shown to have been constructed for the economically weak are so highly priced that the purpose is defeated," said Amarjit Kumar, a property consultant from Patiala.
Meanwhile, to check connivance of officials, the new law says, "Where an offence is committed by any Central government or state government or municipality or board or authority or it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance on the part of an official, he will be liable to prosecution."
"All these years, there was no provision in the Act for prohibiting development of illegal colonies and illegal construction, as a result of which a number of unauthorized colonies have come up," said an official.
An attempt has been made to make existing rules stringent with the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2014. Despite "PUDA-approved' or "GMADA-approved" claims of developers, many projects in the state have not been completed in time or possession has been given to buyers without proper development of the colony.
"Buyers from Chandigarh are heading towards Kharar and Zirakpur, where a flat can be bought for Rs 35 to Rs 40 lakh. But the catch is that these areas do not have proper sewerage, roads are bad and power supply is erratic," said Davinder Kumar, president of Chandigarh Property Dealers' Association.
According to the amended Act, if the promoter does not develop the land in line with the provisions of Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act, 1995, he or his agent can be punished with imprisonment for a minimum of three years which can be extended to seven years and minimum fine of Rs 2 lakh, which may extend to Rs 5 lakh.
"The provision may have been made in the law but there is no system of regular inspection of the housing projects to check for compliance. Smaller housing units shown to have been constructed for the economically weak are so highly priced that the purpose is defeated," said Amarjit Kumar, a property consultant from Patiala.
Meanwhile, to check connivance of officials, the new law says, "Where an offence is committed by any Central government or state government or municipality or board or authority or it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance on the part of an official, he will be liable to prosecution."
