Date:26/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/26/stories/2008062658660300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

‘BPS is for public good’

Staff Reporter

VISAKHAPATNAM: Principal Secretary (Municipal Administration) S.P. Singh said that the Building Penalisation Scheme (BPS) was introduced for the benefit of the public. At a meeting organised to review the implementation of the scheme on Wednesday, he directed the planning officials to ensure that people made use of the scheme. He said that while Land Regularisation Scheme (LRS) of the Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) would continue, the BPS would soon be withdrawn.

Mr. Singh expressed dissatisfaction at the poor performance of the scheme in Visakhapatnam compared to Guntur and Vijayawada. When the City Planner said that 80 irregular constructions were demolished since the implementation of the BPS, he sought photographs and reports on the demolition. He sought details of the applications from various wards.

The Principal Secretary said after the deadline, the time for levying of penalties would be extended by six months, if necessary. He spoke to VUDA Vice-Chairman V.N. Vishnu regarding the amount collected under LRS. Mr. Singh said that Government buildings constructed after 1985 in violation of rules should also be regularised under BPS but they would be exempted from payment of penalty.

The Principal Secretary directed the VUDA officials to immediately issue a notification regarding the Master Plan. Zonal Plans should also be prepared along with the Master Plan.