The Coimbatore Local Planning Authority (LPA) has started issuing completion certificates for buildings, at plinth level and after completion of the building.
An official of the LPA said the Department of Town and Country Planning has specified the types of buildings for which the completion certificate should be obtained. “We have just started (issuing the certificate),” an official said.
However, K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, said the government issued orders that all the buildings which got plan approvals on or after April 16 last year should get “construction continuance certificate” at the plinth level and only after getting the certificate can proceed with the construction. The owners of the buildings should get the “building completion certificate” from the planning authorities by submitting the drawing or plan showing the actual construction at the site. Some types of buildings are exempted for this. However, the planning authorities will issue the certificate only after completion of buildings as per the norms so that the Electricity Department and local body can provide electricity and water connections.
There is a court order too in this regard. But the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation has not taken any action in this regard and does not ask for completion certificate to provide electricity connection.
“The Government has notified the Combined Development and Building Rules 2019 which also states that no connection to the water mains or sewer lines or electricity distribution line with a building shall be made without the prior permission of the authority and without obtaining completion certificate. But, till date, no one is insisting completion certificate to provide electricity or water connection,” Mr. Kathirmathiyon said.
The Electricity Department has not issued any instruction in this regard so far and even for unauthorised buildings, the connections are provided. The Government should ensure that its instructions and court order are followed by all departments, he said.
An official of Tangedco said electricity is almost like a basic amenity. The Department so far does not ask for construction continuation certificate or even plan approvals.