Proceedings of the meeting for addressing of common issues by Chunk Site Developers.

Overview

Overview of the Decision

A meeting was held on 12 June 2023 under the chairmanship of PSI-IUD to discuss common issues faced by chunk site developers. During the meeting, developers raised concerns about delays in getting temporary electricity, water and sewerage connections, as well as repeated inspections during project completion. After discussing these issues, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was proposed to simplify the process and reduce delays for developers. The document covers four main areas: temporary electricity connections, temporary water and sewerage connections, project completion inspections, and permanent water and sewerage connections.

1. Temporary Electricity Connections

Developers explained that they need electricity at the site to begin work, set up offices and provide basic facilities for labourers. Waiting for building plan approval before obtaining a temporary connection can delay the start of work. Since temporary electricity connections are provided by PSPCL, it was decided that the matter would be referred to PSPCL to facilitate temporary connections for chunk sites, even before building plans or drawings are approved. The aim is to help developers begin site activities sooner and save time.

2. Temporary Water and Sewerage Connections

The SOP proposed allowing temporary water and sewerage connections after allotment of a chunk site, subject to the condition that the allottee pays the required statutory charges after the building plans are sanctioned, within the prescribed time limit. Some sites fall within areas that have already been handed over to local bodies. In these locations, water and sewerage connections are provided by the concerned local body rather than GMADA. The department would facilitate the process for developers whose allotted sites fall in these areas.

What About Excess Treated Water?

Under the PUDA Building Bye-Laws, 2021, sites with a built-up area of 5,000 square metres or more must install an on-site sewage treatment plant (STP). Treated water must be reused for non-drinking purposes, such as flushing and gardening, within the premises. Developers also raised concerns about managing excess treated water. The document proposed that the authority could accept this excess treated water into its own network.

3. A Simpler Project Completion Inspection Process

Developers raised concerns that their projects were inspected twice: first by a technical institution and then by GMADA's inspection team. To address this issue, the proposed SOP clarified the responsibilities of the different parties.

Quality and Safety Certificates

Technical institutions such as IIT Ropar, NIT Jalandhar, PEC, Thapar Engineering College and NITTTR may inspect the work and issue the required quality and safety certificates. GMADA's inspection team would check whether the relevant certificate had been issued. The developer and the institution issuing the certificate would remain responsible for the safety and quality responsibilities specified in the document.

Checking the Approved Drawings

GMADA's inspection team would check whether the project had been completed according to the approved drawings and submit its report accordingly. Any other certificates required for the project would have to be obtained by the developer from the relevant department or institution. Other existing completion-related conditions would continue to apply.

4. Permanent Water and Sewerage Connections

The document also addresses a problem faced by developers who complete only part of a building and receive a partial completion or occupation certificate. Under the existing process described in the document, temporary water connections must be regularised after the required certificate is granted. Developers requested a way to manage utility connections for completed portions as well as areas that are still under construction. The proposed arrangements were:

• For the completed portion: One water meter could be installed for the part of the project that has received partial completion approval.
• For the remaining portion: A separate water meter could be installed on the same main line for the area that is yet to be constructed.
• Sewerage connections: Connections and charges would be arranged according to the partially completed area and the portion yet to be constructed.

These provisions were intended to make utility management easier for chunk site and institutional site developers, including schools, colleges, universities, group housing projects and malls.

Why Does This Matter?

The proposed SOP addresses practical difficulties that can affect construction schedules and project operations. Easier access to temporary utilities could help developers start work sooner, while clearer inspection responsibilities could reduce repeated checks. The proposed metering arrangements could also help developers manage utility services when only part of a project is complete.

In Simple Words

GMADA discussed ways to reduce common difficulties faced by chunk site developers. The proposed SOP covers earlier access to temporary electricity, water and sewerage connections, clearer responsibilities for project inspections, and separate water meters for completed and unfinished portions of a project. Important: The supplied document describes proposals and decisions to issue an SOP. It does not, by itself, confirm that every proposal was formally implemented or remains in force today. The latest applicable GMADA/PUDA instructions should be checked before treating these provisions as current policy.

Practical Details

• Notice Date: July 2023

For more information and complete details, click on “Open Original Document” to view the official source.