CHENNAI: Seeking to bring the entire state under the umbrella of uniform building rules, the state government on Thursday released a draft defining various parameters covering all kinds of construction ranging from ordinary buildings to high-rises. The draft Tamil Nadu Common Development Promotion Rules for Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, Town and Village Panchayats, 2018 proposes to have uniform regulations for areas falling under the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and directorate of town and country planning (DTCP). "Now, we have different rules for CMDA and DTCP, which would be common through Tamil Nadu after its implementation," said an offical from the housing and urban development department.
A notice uploaded on the DTCP portal states that the government intends to frame combined development regulations and building rules to simplify procedures. The government has sought the public's suggestions and views on the rules, which conform to the National Building Code of India 2016.
Stress has been given on aspects relating to quality and stability in the light of a slew of collapses due to structural issues. According to the draft rules, all constructions, except for non-highrise buildings with height upto 9m, shall be carried out under the supervision of the Registered Construction Engineer on Record (CER). The CER must give a certificate of structural safety of construction while submitting the progress report as per the prescribed guidelines at different stages of construction, besides during completion.
The construction of all high-rise buildings taller than 17.25m shall be carried out under the quality inspection programme prepared and implemented under the Registered Quality Auditor on Record (QAR), who must give a certificate of quality control.
Fixing responsibilities for architects, engineers, structural engineers, construction engineers, quality auditors, geo-technical engineers, town planners and developers, the draft rules have special regulations for schools. The draft states that buildings shall not open directly on national or state highways with heavy vehicular traffic. It also underlines the importance of protecting structures from cyclonic wind damage, flooding and tsunamis.
Ramaprabhu, vice chairman of Builders' Association of India's Southern Centre, said it was a welcome step as the common building rules would largely benefit DTCP areas. "The draft rules allow construction of six kitchen units, which is not permitted within a specified area in DTCP localities," he added.