Unauthorized constructions will be regularized by collecting an impact fee

The legislative assembly passed a bill on Sunday, seeking regularization of unauthorized constructions in urban areas by collecting “impact fee” from the owners.

In a long session of the newly elected Assembly, “Gujarat Regularization of Unauthorized Development Bill-2022” was passed unanimously as the opposition Congress, as well as Aam Aadmi Party, gave their consent for the passage. 

The bill replaced an act issued by the previous BJP government in October for the regularization of unauthorized construction in cities and towns.  

Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rushikesh said, according to a survey, nearly 42% of the buildings in eight major cities and 87% of the buildings in the jurisdiction of 156 municipalities did not have the mandatory “Building Use” permission. 

The bill provides for the regularization of such unauthorized constructions within the jurisdictions of municipal corporations, urban development authorities, and municipalities on payment of Impact Fee.

Minister Patel said the Act was needed as many people would become homeless if such buildings were to be demolished. The provisions of the bill apply to any unauthorized construction done before October 1, 2022.

Such properties must be regularized by their owners through the e-nagar portal. The Minister said the construction in industrial areas and on public or government properties like roads will not be regularized. 

Minister also said that the collective impact fee will be put into the Infrastructure Development Fund which will be used for encouraging infrastructure development and facilities such as setting up fire systems and creating parking facilities. 

The fee will be ranging from Rs 3,000 – 18,000 for unauthorized constructions between 50 square meters to 300 square meters. 

The fee would be charged double if the property was used for other than residential purposes, and also additional Rs 150 would be charged for every square meter above 300 meter square. 

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