CHENNAI: To plug the lacunae in monitoring buildings at the time of construction, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is planning to bring in third-party independent consultants who would track the various stages of construction to ensure that a building is built as per the approved plan.
The agency has sent such a proposal to the State government. This was one of the recommendations put forth by the Justice (retd) R Regupathi Commission that was constituted after the Moulivakkam building collapse on June 28, 2014.
It originally was the responsibility of architects, licensed surveyors and structural engineers, to inform the CMDA about important stages of construction. However, in reality, sources said, these professionals do not inform about the progress or deviation.
Due to lax monitoring during the early stages, the violations are noticed only at the advanced stage of construction, at which time it is difficult to restore the structure to the approved plan, said CMDA sources.
The consultant will be empanelled on the basis of prescribed qualification and experience and allocation will be done on a random basis through computer software.
The consultant will report to the CMDA on the progress at specified stages of construction like commencement, completion of foundation, plinth, at every roof level and on completion. The report should be in the prescribed format, supported by photographs and samples. This will be posted on the website along with the planning permission approval details.
Deviations and progress of construction will be reported to the CMDA. Other aspects relating to the quality of construction and structural design will be reported to the concerned local body. In the case of sites coming under village panchayats, the reports will be sent to the Block Development Officer.