Indian Institute of Architects, Odisha Chapter Submits Proposal to Government Call for simplifying the approval system.

Bhubaneswar, 10.06.25 ( Pratyusha Bureau ): The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Odisha Chapter, under the chairmanship of Ms. Swopnadutta Mohanty, has submitted the Draft Odisha Development Authorities (Planning & Building Standards) Rules, 2025 to the Principal Secretary, Smt. Usha Padhee, IAS, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Government of Odisha. This submission follows extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including CREDAI Odisha, CREDAI Bhubaneswar, AFORD, and NAREDCO Odisha. Public feedback was also taken into consideration to ensure the draft is both inclusive and practical. This initiative was undertaken under the guidance of Smt. Usha Padhee, IAS, with the objective of making the legislation less cumbersome and more citizen-centric, ultimately aiming to benefit the general public. The proposed rules are citizen-centric, aiming to ease procedural hurdles commonly faced by the general public in planning and development processes. The present rules are framed to address pressing public concerns by streamlining the building approval process. Rather than burdening the citizens with multiple layers of restrictive regulations, the rules aim to empower them through simplified and accessible procedures. Suggestion was given for the approval procedures of low risk buildings. This means plots upto 5500 sq. feet In size & a building upto three storeyed can be approved by registered architect in single window service. This will help a greater segment of general public who are tired up chasing procedural barriers. The suggestion also includs removal of dual interpretation of many deffinations like catagory of buildings, plinth hight, hight of stilt parking, hight of the building, land use zones, means of access, width of a road & many such things which were lacking clarity. It also has suggestions for to increase validity of approval for five years & easy renewal procedures. All these suggestions if incorporated will be an exemplary relief for thr people of Odisha and will also facilitated ease of doing business. This shift reflects a move towards transparency, inclusivity, and ease of living. To align with sustainability goals, the draft incorporates modern technical standards, green building norms, and resilient urban design principles. It also proposes the introduction of the External Infrastructure Development Plan (EIDP), which will be initiated immediately after the field verification report. The EIDP Committee, in coordination with relevant government agencies, will recommend and revise guidelines for systematic and sustainable development of external infrastructure such as roads, water supply, drainage, and solid waste management. Furthermore, it is proposed that instead of amending the existing rules, a completely new and comprehensive set of rules be published for better clarity and implementation. To enhance accessibility and public engagement, it is also requested that the new rules be published in a bilingual format, both in Odia and English. The drafting process was supported by legal firm Aquilaw, ensuring that the proposed reforms are legally sound, implementation-ready, and aligned with statutory frameworks.The Draft ODA Rules 2025 presents a forward-looking and reform driven framework focused on better governance, service delivery, and coordinated urban development across Odisha.