Guwahati Mayor Seeks Clarity on Supreme Court Order Regarding Mixed-Use Buildings
Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) mayor Mrigen Sarania stated on Sunday that numerous buildings in specific areas of the city feature ground floors utilized for commercial activities while upper floors serve residential purposes. This observation comes as authorities await further clarification on a Supreme Court order issued on March 25.
Supreme Court Directive on Zoning Violations
The apex court has mandated municipal corporations across all states and union territories to conduct thorough inquiries within their jurisdictions. The objective is to identify zones that are exclusively designated for residential use but are being improperly exploited for non-residential purposes, leading to urban chaos.
Sarania acknowledged that within GMC's jurisdiction, there exist buildings with permits for both residential and commercial uses. He emphasized the need for discussion to gain more clarity on the Supreme Court's directives, stating, "I will have to discuss the Supreme Court order to get some more clarity."
Expert Highlights Rampant Unauthorized Commercial Use
JN Khataniar, a chief consultant engineer at a private firm, raised alarms about the widespread unauthorized commercial exploitation of residential areas in Guwahati. He described the city as descending into chaos due to businesses operating in structures originally intended solely for residential occupancy.
Khataniar referenced the first master plan developed by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) in 2008, which was subsequently modified up to 2026. This plan regulated construction through zoning maps for different land uses. However, he alleged that violations are frequently permitted, undermining urban planning efforts.
Violations and Regulatory Failures
In residential zones, new constructions are being approved over front setbacks and along footpaths on both sides of roads to facilitate commercial activities, blatantly contravening established rules. Khataniar criticized GMC for issuing trade licenses and electrical connections to such unauthorized constructions, thereby encouraging unplanned urban expansion across Guwahati.
He traced the root of these issues to the city's growth after the capital shifted from Shillong to Dispur in 1972–73, which occurred without a long-term vision or stringent enforcement. The 1965 GMC construction bylaws remained effective until 1998, when GMDA introduced its initial construction bylaws.
Historical Bylaw Revisions and Ongoing Negligence
These 1998 bylaws were revised in 2006 to align with the National Building Code 2005. Khataniar noted that on the very first page, the GMDA CEO admitted loopholes in the 1998 bylaws, prompting revisions that continued until 2026. This admission highlights systemic flaws in regulatory frameworks.
As a consequence of negligence by authorities and poor foresight from experts and politicians, residents endure significant hardships, including inadequate drainage systems and severe waterlogging even after brief rainfall. These urban challenges underscore the urgent need for improved governance and adherence to zoning regulations to ensure sustainable development in Guwahati.
