So, a circular to be issued this week regarding all building proposals in the city, eastern and western suburbs will set a time limit for each approval. Also, under the new process, an undue delay could lead to a transfer for the official concerned.

The new system, officials hope, will help cope with the large number of redevelopment proposals currently in the pipeline. “With quick approvals, projects will move ahead and give relief to the large number of people waiting in transit camps,” said another senior civic official.

The new procedures will also assist smaller building projects. Construction on plots less than 2,500 square metres will not require internal no-objection certificates from the BMC’s storm water drains department and the roads and traffic department. “Permissions come in stages and take 24 months to 36 months. With the new system, construction will get a boost and will help builders give timely possession of flats, something that would earlier get delayed due to various approvals,” said president of Practicing Engineers Architects and Town Planners Association (PEATA), Mohan Daisaria, who was part of a 19-member study group that recommended changes in the Development Control rules.

Meanwhile, the civic body is already computerizing the building proposals approval system by introducing Auto DCR, software that automatically inspects plan drawings and documents submitted by architects to check for compliance with rules. The system will first be used in a pilot project in the eastern suburbs.