In an effort to streamline the building approval process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, Bengaluru’s Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, has introduced a new scheme called ‘Nambike Nakshe.’ This initiative is designed to make it simpler and faster for property owners to get building approvals, particularly for structures up to 4,000 square feet within areas managed by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
Scheme Overview
The ‘Nambike Nakshe’ scheme allows property owners to obtain temporary or provisional approval for their building plans directly from authorized architects or engineers. This marks a significant departure from the traditional, often cumbersome, multi-step approval process. By enabling property owners to begin planning their buildings without initially navigating a complex web of approvals, the scheme aims to expedite construction projects and reduce the administrative burden on both the government and the citizens.
Target Audience
This scheme is particularly beneficial for those who own land in areas developed by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and the Karnataka Housing Board. Many of these plots, typically around 50×80 feet in size, fall well within the scheme’s 4,000-square-foot limit, making the process considerably easier for a substantial number of property owners.
Provisional Approval Process
Under the ‘Nambike Nakshe’ scheme, property owners can receive provisional approval, which allows them to commence construction almost immediately. Once this provisional approval is granted, the owners must upload their building plans online for final approval by the BBMP. This digital approach not only accelerates the process but also makes it more transparent and user-friendly.
The primary objective of this initiative is to cut through the red tape that often delays construction projects. By allowing direct approvals from qualified professionals such as architects or engineers, the government aims to simplify the process, thus enabling quicker initiation of construction activities.
Ensuring Compliance
Despite the streamlined approval process, compliance with existing building standards and regulations remains a top priority. BBMP engineers will continue to inspect ongoing construction to ensure that all projects adhere to the required norms. Currently, the ‘Nambike Nakshe’ scheme is being piloted in two zones within BBMP’s jurisdiction. If the pilot proves successful, there are plans to expand the scheme across the entire city. This expansion could significantly reduce the challenges property owners face, making it easier and more efficient for them to launch construction projects.
Digitalizing Land Records
Interestingly, the ‘Nambike Nakshe’ initiative builds upon a foundation laid by an earlier scheme of the same name, launched in Karnataka in 2020. The original ‘Nambike Nakshe’ was created to digitize land records, making it easier for people to access information about their land holdings. This digitalization effort also helped resolve land disputes and supported better land management, contributing to improved urban planning and rural development in the state.
Summing Up
The introduction of the ‘Nambike Nakshe’ scheme reflects the Karnataka government’s commitment to simplifying administrative processes and leveraging digital tools to enhance efficiency. By offering provisional building approvals through a streamlined, digital platform, the scheme stands to significantly benefit property owners, particularly in Bengaluru, by reducing delays and facilitating quicker construction starts. If successfully implemented city-wide, ‘Nambike Nakshe’ could become a model for other cities looking to modernize and simplify their building approval processes.