After failing time and again to manage the city and implement the building code and bylaws, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC)is again attempting to enforce rules and policies.

“We have started working to implement the rules and policies related to building codes,” said Kedar Bahadur Adhikari, executive chief at KMC. “If it is necessary, policies and rules will be revised,” he said.

KMC started implementing the National Building Code-2060 from August 21, 2005. People wishing to construct buildings in the city have to fill up forms of both building by-laws and building codes before they can get their blueprints endorsed.

The national building code includes applying international standards for buildings with five storeys and and more. Drawings and calculations have to be presented to the Review Committee. Owner and constructor bear the responsibility. This also applies professional engineered building category to those structures between three to five storeys. Basic blue prints need to be submitted.

Buildings below three storeys have to follow mandatory rule of thumb for which guidelines are available. The three stages before construction and habitability permits are issued are: foundation level, upper structure completion and final inspection. Minimum size of the reinforced concrete columns is set at 23X30 cm as an earthquake safety measure, according to the building code.

The municipals are not strictly abiding by the code of conducts while issuing permission and blue prints to construct buildings.

There are about 100,000 houses with some 1 million population in the only metropolis of the country. The majority of houses have been constructed against the building code and bylaws. KMC does not allow construction of buildings that are more than five-storeys and use less than two anas of land for the site in the city. However, people have been constructing buildings higher than six-storeys on one ana of land, according to KMC.

The provisions do not allow construction of buildings exceeding three storeys in Durbar Marg area. “People of the area have however been demanding that they be allowed to construct high rise building against the rules,” said Adhikari. “We will fix certain locations for high rise buildings so that heritage areas are not affected.”

In this regard, the civic body has consulted the Ministry of Urban Development, said Adhikari. “We are going to discuss with all the stakeholders, including the five municipalities in Kathmandu Valley,” he said.

The government approved the land use policy a few months ago in order to manage the city. “The rules and codes will be made unitary in Kathmandu Valley,” Adhikari said. “A team will be formed to study the issues of plotting and implementing rules,” he added.

source: The Himalayan Times,31 July 2012