ON THE FAST TRACK
Architects can now log on for a perfect plan
BMC Offers Auto-DCR Software
Mumbai: It will now be possible for architects to prepare plans that do not deviate from the development control rules (DCR) or at least agree with the BMC on the deviation in their plan.
The BMC has offered the auto-DCR software to architects which will make it possible for them to submit ‘deviation-free’ plans to the corporation for approval.
The software is being made available for Rs 7,000. As part of the e-governance project, the BMC is computerising the building proposal department. The civic body has introduced auto-DCR in the eastern suburbs as a pilot project which will scrutinise and approve a plan electronically, except in case of concessions where the file is then forwarded to the municipal commissioner for his approval.
Vikas Dilawari, conservation architect, said it is a welcome move and the software will be a useful tool. “The drawing board has already become archaic and all architects today are computersavvy,’’ he said.
Last week, the BMC held a workshop for 40 architects to familiarise them with auto-DCR functions. “A manual scrutiny of a plan takes around 75 days and though it is done at three levels, there could still be errors or variations in the interpretation of rules. When a computer does the scrutiny, it will take only around two hours and there will be a single interpretation, which removes the scope for dispute,’’ said a senior civic official.
The computer gives a report on whether the plan is in consonance with the DCR and even points out the deviation as well as the authority competent to authorise it.
“Architects already use Auto-CAD, a software that helps prepare the plans. So if they install the auto-DCR on their computers, it makes
their task that much easier as they will immediately know what the deviations are. They can correct them and do not need to re-submit the plans,’’ said officials.
their task that much easier as they will immediately know what the deviations are. They can correct them and do not need to re-submit the plans,’’ said officials.
The approved plan will then be put on the BMC’s website whereby people will know the exact plan that has been approved and up to what level (building plans are generally approved in stages depending upon the various approvals obtained by the builder).