Manisha Khatri, the Municipal Commissioner, is shaking things up in Nashik’s town planning department with a fresh set of procedures aimed at streamlining the construction approval process. For too long, developers and residents have been tangled in a web of bureaucratic red tape, but Khatri’s new approach promises to cut through that clutter and pave the way for smoother project approvals.
Under the revamped guidelines, the responsibility for approving building plans has been delegated to officials according to the size and risk category of the project. This means that junior engineers will now handle low-risk residential projects, while deputy engineers will step in for moderate-risk projects on plots up to 300 square meters. As the stakes get higher, so does the oversight: executive engineers will manage projects between 301 and 4,000 square meters, and the Assistant Director of Town Planning (ADTP) will oversee larger proposals ranging from 4,001 to 8,000 square meters. Only the big players—projects exceeding 12,000 square meters—will need the green light from Khatri herself.
This restructuring comes as a direct response to the clamor from developers and residents alike, who found the previous approval process to be a real headache. Dipak Varade, Deputy Director of the Town Planning Department, hit the nail on the head when he pointed out that the old circular was a maze of complexity. The new circular aims to simplify things and decentralize authority, making it easier for folks to get the approvals they need without jumping through endless hoops.
Khatri’s commitment to making town planning more accessible is evident. Since stepping into her role last month, she has made it clear that reducing bureaucratic hurdles is a top priority. The goal here isn’t just to speed up approvals; it’s also about fostering responsible development in the city. By ensuring that the approval process is user-friendly, Khatri is not only supporting developers but also aiming to create a more vibrant urban landscape for all Nashik residents.
But Khatri isn’t stopping at just streamlining approvals. Her administration is also diving into improving communication between the municipal corporation and local builders. The introduction of technology solutions to track applications and approvals is on the table, which could usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in the planning process. As Nashik continues to expand, the demand for housing and commercial spaces is on the rise, and this simplified approval process is set to attract more investment, potentially leading to timely construction of much-needed projects.
These changes reflect a larger trend in municipal governance aimed at cutting down on red tape and fostering a more dynamic urban environment. Nashik is at a pivotal moment, and the effectiveness of Khatri’s measures will be under the microscope. With community feedback and evolving needs in play, there’s potential for further adjustments that could reshape the construction landscape in the city for years to come. As the dust settles on these new guidelines, one thing is clear: Nashik is ready to build a brighter future.
