MCC Preparing to Introduce Revised Building Bylaw for Planned Urban Development
The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) is preparing to introduce a revised building bylaw aimed at addressing construction violations and promoting the planned development of the city. This initiative has been a long time in the making, with the draft undergoing multiple revisions and reviews. The upcoming council meeting on November 28, under the leadership of Mayor Manoj Kumar, will serve as a platform to discuss the amended bylaw in detail before its submission to the state government for approval.
The concept of introducing a new building bylaw for Mangaluru dates back several years. In 2017, the Urban Development Department of Karnataka issued a model draft building bylaw applicable to all city corporations. Following this notification, MCC’s council meeting on January 31, 2018, referred the draft to its standing committee on town planning for a thorough review. Subsequently, on August 13, 2020, the standing committee presented a modified version of the draft to the council. However, the journey of the bylaw has been far from straightforward.
In September 2023, the MCC submitted a revised draft to the state government for approval. But on June 27, 2024, the Urban Development Department returned the draft, recommending further review and amendments. According to MCC council chief whip Premanand Shetty, these suggestions necessitated the formation of a committee to revise the draft further. The revised draft is now ready for discussion at the upcoming council meeting. This step is essential to ensure that the bylaw aligns with both local development goals and state-level requirements.
Corporators and stakeholders emphasize the importance of the new bylaw in regulating construction activities and addressing violations. Corporator Naveen D’Souza stressed that the bylaw is crucial in the evolving urban landscape of Mangaluru. It is expected to cover all types of constructions, including residential and commercial projects. The bylaw will not only focus on penalizing violations but also provide a clear framework of guidelines for builders to follow, thereby promoting compliance and ensuring that construction activities align with the city’s development plans.
The earlier drafts of the bylaw faced challenges due to a lack of consensus on several aspects. One of the critical objectives of the new bylaw is to enhance accountability among builders and developers. By establishing stringent rules, the MCC aims to curb unauthorized constructions and prevent deviations from approved building plans. The focus is also on incorporating provisions that support sustainable development, ensuring that Mangaluru grows in an organized manner while addressing environmental and social concerns.
The amended bylaw seeks to resolve long-standing issues in the city’s construction sector. The rapid pace of urbanization in Mangaluru has led to a rise in construction activities, often accompanied by violations of existing norms. These include illegal encroachments, deviations from approved plans, and a lack of adherence to safety and environmental standards. The new bylaw is expected to act as a deterrent against such practices while providing clarity to developers about their responsibilities.
Another significant aspect of the revised bylaw is its role in improving transparency and efficiency in the city’s planning and development processes. By setting clear rules and guidelines, the bylaw aims to reduce ambiguities and conflicts that often arise between developers and regulatory authorities. It is also expected to simplify the approval processes for compliant projects, thereby encouraging responsible construction practices.
The MCC’s efforts to revise the building bylaw reflect a broader trend among city corporations in Karnataka to update their regulations in line with contemporary needs. As urban centers grow, the need for robust and updated regulatory frameworks becomes increasingly evident. The new bylaw is not just a response to immediate challenges but also a proactive measure to ensure that Mangaluru’s growth is both sustainable and inclusive.
The upcoming council meeting will play a crucial role in finalizing the bylaw before its submission to the state government. If approved, the new building bylaw will mark a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of urban development in Mangaluru. It will serve as a model for other cities, demonstrating how local governments can effectively regulate construction activities while fostering an environment of transparency and accountability.
Through this initiative, MCC aims to strike a balance between development and regulation, ensuring that Mangaluru’s growth trajectory remains on the right path.