Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Halts Construction Project Over Multiple Violations
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken decisive action against a housing project developer in Nandan Vihar, issuing a formal stop-construction order following persistent complaints from the local residents' welfare association. This intervention comes after residents documented numerous regulatory breaches, including unauthorized expansion and neglect of critical infrastructure commitments.
Residents' Complaints Trigger Civic Action
Residents had filed multiple grievances highlighting serious violations by the builder. These included unauthorized expansion activities, disregard for ORERA (Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority) norms, and failure to fulfill essential infrastructure promises. The complaints specifically pointed to the developer commencing excavation and structural work for additional high-rise blocks without obtaining the mandatory two-thirds consent from existing allottees.
"Based on the grievances received and prima facie violations of approved building norms, we have directed the developer to halt all ongoing construction work until further examination," stated a senior BMC official. The order was officially issued on Friday after preliminary inspections confirmed that construction for the expansion block was actively proceeding despite these violations.
Detailed List of Alleged Violations
- Lack of mandatory permissions for expansion work
- Commencement of construction despite ORERA rejecting the builder's project registration application in January for non-compliance with RERA norms
- Non-submission of mandatory Form D documentation
- Failure to refund security deposits and sinking funds
- Incomplete basic infrastructure works including rainwater drainage systems, structural repairs, and handover of electrical substation to TPCODL
- Violation of parking norms specified in the original 2017 BDA approval, particularly regarding visitor parking allocation
Documented Evidence Leads to Enforcement
Residents reported that the trigger for BMC's intervention was concrete evidence of ongoing site work using excavators and heavy machinery. "Despite ORERA rejecting the expansion, the builder continued digging and preparing foundations. We had no choice but to escalate the matter," explained Dilip Rout, secretary of the residents' association.
BMC officials have directed inspectors to maintain continuous surveillance at the construction site to ensure strict enforcement of the stop-work order. The civic body's action follows mounting pressure from residents who have been highlighting these violations for an extended period.
Residents Demand Stronger Legal Action
With the stop-work order now in effect, residents are hopeful that more stringent measures will follow. The association has formally requested that the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) initiate proceedings under Section 26(1) of the Odisha Apartment (Ownership and Management) Act, 2023. This would involve taking punitive action against the developer for continuing construction without proper approvals and for repeatedly failing to submit required Form D documentation despite multiple reminders.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges in real estate regulation enforcement in urban development projects, with residents increasingly turning to documented evidence and formal complaints to ensure compliance with established building norms and regulations.
