NEW DELHI: Taking a step towards e-governance, Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma today launched NOC portal for streamlining approval procedure for construction related activities near monuments.
The NOC Online Application Portal and Processing System aims to use technology to eliminate complicated procedures for getting no objection certificate for granting permission for repair, renovation and construction within the prohibited areas near protected monuments.
An initiative by the National Monument Authority, the system will help for streamlining of approval procedure for construction related activities in regulated/restricted areas in the vicinity of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monuments in various cities of India.
"There were allegations that authorities were taking longer time to give NOC, then there were allegations of corruptions. With the launching of the portal now you can apply online and you will get a reply within a time frame and in most transparent manner," Sharma said after launching the NOC portal.
With rapid urbanisation, the monuments are facing tremendous pressure of increased construction activity. National Monuments Authority is mandated to regulate such construction activity within the vicinity of the monuments.
Sharma said there are 3686 monuments in the country. As per the rule construction activities are prohibited and regulated within 100 metre to 300 metre distance from monuments. "Then there are 32 competent authorities in states and UTs involved in granting permission near heritage sites," he said.
Now you can apply by downloading the form you will get reply with in a time-frame and transparent manner, he said adding the system will check corruption.
The portal is operational with the support of technology and expertise of ISRO and it is in the process of mapping all3686 ASI protected monuments.
Sharma said that it will greatly add to the convenience of the people since they no longer need to run to local offices to get NOC for their property which is nearby to monuments.
The mobile app, which will be launched shortly, will provide even greater convenience, he said.
The app can be downloaded free of cost and can be used to upload the geo coordinates of plot with the prohibited/regulated area of the monument.
The portal will enable the public to submit their application for NOC online and facilitate tracking the status of their applications from anywhere.
Culture Secretary NK Sinha said it is a people's portal and its success will be depending on the people's participation.
Singh said even people can lodge complaint also online if they see any unauthorised construction near the heritage sites.