Experts warns Odisha's Plan to remove Layout Approval for Plot Sales

Experts have raised concerns about the government’s potential plan to eliminate the requirement for layout plan approval when selling plots, warning that it could lead to unregulated urban development, particularly in cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

Sources suggest that to streamline the registration process for plots, which has encountered issues, the government may amend the Odisha Development Authority Act by altering Sections 15 and 16, which currently mandate layout plan approval for plot sales. Real estate expert Bimalendu Pradhan expressed that, while the goal of easing plot registration is understandable, removing layout plan approvals could result in chaotic urban growth.

He also highlighted the issue of occupancy certificates, particularly for older apartment buildings, suggesting that these certificates should be issued instead of revoked. If this isn't feasible for older buildings, he proposed the introduction of a regularization scheme.

The state is facing multiple challenges in the real estate sector, including delays in apartment registrations due to the Odisha Apartment Ownership Act of 2023, which requires a certificate of association for allottees. Additionally, plot registration remains problematic. Realtor Sangram Nayak recommended creating a single-window system to streamline these processes, as multiple departments, agencies, and individuals are involved.

In response to some of these issues, the government issued a notification on Saturday allowing apartments completed before February 25, 2017, to register under the Odisha Apartment Ownership and Management Act, even if they lack an occupancy certificate.

Real estate experts, however, argued that the government is encouraging the registration of apartments without the necessary documents.

Urban planner Dipu Nanda stated, "An apartment without an occupancy certificate is not legally fit for habitation, but the government is allowing registration without this certificate, which is wrong."