Visakhapatnam: Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg has issued a stern warning to town planning officials, emphasizing the need for timely processing of building permissions, Layout Regularisation Scheme (LRS) applications, and Transferable Development Rights (TDR) approvals. He directed that all these tasks must be completed within the stipulated time frame without any unnecessary delays. The commissioner also cautioned that strict departmental action would be initiated against officials found to be delaying official work or engaging in corrupt practices.
Review of Town Planning Works
Commissioner Garg reviewed the progress of town planning activities on Thursday, in a meeting attended by Chief City Planner A. Prabhakara Rao and other planning officials. During the review, the commissioner expressed serious concern over the delays in processing applications submitted by citizens seeking building permissions. He observed that town planning officials were taking an excessive amount of time to resolve such applications, and similar delays were being noticed in the approval process under the LRS introduced by the state government.
Emphasis on Transparency and Anti-Corruption
The commissioner warned officials to ensure complete transparency in the processing of building permissions, LRS, and TDR approvals. He stated that there should be no scope for corruption at any stage of the approval process. He cautioned that strict departmental action would be taken against any official found indulging in corrupt practices or if complaints from the public were found to be genuine. He made it clear that delay, negligence, and corruption in the discharge of duties would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Instructions for Speedy Processing
Commissioner Garg instructed officials to thoroughly scrutinize building applications registered through the Andhra Pradesh Development Planning and Monitoring System (APDPMS) portal. He directed that these applications be forwarded to the competent authorities without delay, preferably within two days, for necessary approvals. Additionally, he ordered officials to complete field verification of LRS applications and dispose of them promptly to avoid any backlog.
The commissioner's directives come as part of a broader effort to improve efficiency and accountability in the town planning department, ensuring that citizens receive timely services without facing bureaucratic hurdles or corruption.
