Jammu, Feb 13 (JKNS): The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Town Planning Organization is mandatory for execution of developmental works and building activities within Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Replying question tabled by MLA Sajad Gani Lone, the Housing & Urban Development Department as per news agency JKNS, stated that as per Section 203 of the Municipal Act, 2000 and J&K Unified Building Bye-Laws (UBBL) 2021, no person can erect, re-erect or make material alterations to any building within the jurisdiction of ULBs without prior sanction from the Municipality.
The Government said Clause 2.18 of UBBL 2021 requires NOCs from different departments, including the Town Planning Organization, Kashmir.
The reply further revealed that there are only three Town Planners posted in the Town Planning Organization, Kashmir, catering to 40 Urban Local Bodies comprising 10 Municipal Councils and 30 Municipal Committees. The ratio of Town Planners to towns currently stands at 1:12.
On whether the Government intends to deploy a resident in-house architect or engineer in every local body at town level, the Department replied in the negative.
However, it informed the House that the Town Planning Organization has been re-organized to create a district cadre to support preparation and implementation of Master Plans for every town. (JKNS)
