Thursday, February 28, 2013

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What are the Required Qualifications to become a Empanelled Architect at GHMC?

What are the Required Qualifications to become a Empanelled Architect at GHMC?


Empanelled Architects:

Qualifications:
a) MSBR: The empanelled architects should have a minimum qualification of B.Arch, from any recognized Indian University, should be registered with Council of Architecture, New Delhi and designed and signed two or more MSBR buildings which were approved by GHMC or HMDA or any other ULBs of 1 million + population in A.P.

b) NON-MSBR:  The empanelled architects should have a minimum qualification of B.Arch, from any recognized Indian University, should have at least 1 year of working experience and should be registered with 
Council of Architecture, New Delhi and designed and signed 2 or more buildings of 15m height which were approved by GHMC or HMDA or any other ULBs of 1 million + population in A.P.

Competency:
a) All plans and related information related with building permit.
b) Structural designs and calculations for buildings on plot up to 500 sq. mts. and upto three floors.
c) Certificate of supervision and completion of all buildings.



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Penal action Against the Empanelled Architects, Engineers, Structural Engineers, Document Auditors, Peer Consultants

Penal action Against the Empanelled Architects, Engineers, Structural Engineers, Document Auditors, Peer Consultants


(i) Any misrepresentation, falsifying facts are found or in any other way misleading GHMC then the permission granted will be cancelled forthwith and the applicant / owner / Architects / Engineers / Document Auditors / Peer Consultants are liable for cancellation of License/ blacklisting and other relevant penal action.

(ii) Failure to submit stage wise field inspection report or submitting incorrect factual report will lead to black listing their names, cancellation of license and other penal action. 
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Procedure for Obtaining Building Permission in GHMC Green Channel?

Procedure for Obtaining Building Permission in GHMC Green Channel?



Building Permission in GHMC Green Channel Procedure:

(i) Applicants desirous of using the green channel facility at head office must approach the GHMC empanelled Architects for required scrutiny of their development proposal to ensure conformity to Master Plan Zoning Regulations / Building Rules and Regulations and orders and circulars issued by the Government from time to time before submission to GHMC. 

(ii) Applicants must additionally approach GHMC empanelled document auditors for certification of title over the land intended for development. 

(iii) The applicants of multi storied buildings must approach GHMC empanelled appropriate group of Structural Engineers for structural designs and drawings.

(iv) The proposals should be submitted through the prescribed BUILDING APPLICATION SELF-SCRUITINY STATEMENT (BASS - available in GHMC website) duly signed by Owner,  Builder, Empanelled Architect, Engineer, Empanelled Document Auditor in case of non-high-rise buildings and in case of high-rise buildings proposals shall also be signed by Empanelled Structural Engineers and Peer Consultants / Institution.

(v) Along with the building application the applicant / owner shall submit notarized affidavit that “all the rules and regulations have been adhered to and they are personally held responsible for any lapses in this matter.” (proforma enclosed).

(vi) On completion of the necessary scrutiny and certification of building plans by the empanelled architects and document auditors the applicant / architect shall submit their proposals at Citizen Service Centre in the head office in full form duly enclosing all relevant plans and necessary NOCs with payment of initial fee in the form of DD for an amount of Rs.10,000/- and the remaining balance amount in the form of DD in the name of Commissioner, GHMC shall be paid on intimation within one month failing which the proposals will be returned un approved.

(vii) In case of high rise buildings the plans and structural designs will be referred to an empanelled peer consultant by GHMC and the peer consultant shall submit his report to GHMC within (7) days. The charges of peer consultant shall be paid by the applicant through GHMC within (7) days from the date of intimation in the form of DD drawn in favour of peer consultant.

(viii) The plans will be scrutinized by the concerned Town Planning officials at the Head Office and after approval of Commissioner intimation letter for payment of balance fee and other documents and the entire process will be completed within 15 days for non-high-rise buildings and within 30 days for high-rise buildings.

(ix) The Architects / Structural Engineers shall give reports in prescribed format at every slab level or in every 3 months period which ever is earlier on the progress of construction and conformity with sanctioned plans.

(x) The procedure prescribed to ensure the structural stability of the building under GO 541 M.A dt.17.11.2002 and G.O Ms No. 168 MA dt. 7.4.2012 shall be strictly adhered to.

(xi) This empanelment is done with an intention to minimize the time delay in the process of approvals and maximize the efficiency of the approval process and in this exercise, the GHMC shall monitor and evaluate the competency levels of various consultants empanelled from time to time for better citizen service. 

(xii) The GHMC may decide continuation of the empanelment or De-empanelment of various consultants, squarely depending on the  performance, of consultants empanelled.

(xiii) All the Architects / Engineers / Structural Engineers / Peer Consultants / Document Auditors will be given a refreshment course for 2 or 3 days explaining them about the various provisions of the procedures, bye-laws and their interpretations so that with the fresh knowledge given to them by the GHMC, the empanelled personnel can function more efficiently.

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What is the Green Channel For Speedy Grant of Building Permissions?

What is the Green Channel For Speedy Grant of Building Permissions?


Administration Reforms Commission-II, Government of India have recommended that a simplified procedure for grant of building permits on the basis of self- certification by owners / registered architects should be adopted by all State Governments and local bodies. In view of this and as an initiative to incentivize the development of the built environment, ease grant of building permissions, and introduce transparency and accountability. Accordingly, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation is introducing more transparency and accountability in the granting of Building Permissions at Head Office through Green Channel by empanelling Architects, Structural Engineers, Peer Consultants and Document Auditors. Under this facility, owners, builders will get expeditious approval of building permissions through a  Fast Track called the  Green Channel. The details and operational guidelines are given below.


1. What is a Green Channel ?
Green Channel enables applicants to obtain Building Permissions from Head Office in 15 clear working days for non-high-rise buildings and group housing and within 30 days for high-rise buildings. The applicants have to pay the total fee/charges within 30 days of intimation by GHMC.

2. Who can apply ?
All applicants who seek permission for buildings of non-high rise and high rise buildings under Green Channel within 15 days for non high rise buildings and 30 days for high rise buildings. They shall apply in CSC in normal procedure. However, existing system will continue for certain period.

3. Where to apply ?
The applications for green channel in full shape will be accepted at CSC located at Head Office.

4. Whether to pay any additional Fee / Charges ?
No additional fees and charges to be paid by the applicants for obtaining permissions through Green Channel.


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

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GHMC Birth Certificate Registration and Application Form at MeeSeva Hyderabad Online

GHMC Birth Certificate Registration at Hyderabad and Application Form at MeeSeva Online

GHMC Birth Certificate Online at Hyderabad can be obtained by Applicants at Meeseva Centers within a defined time frame quickly. Birth Certificate Registration which comes under GHMC can be obtained at Meeseva Centers within a 15 minutes. All you need to do is download the following application form and submit at Meeseva Center. Date of Birth certificate needs to be checked clearly as changing it is really difficult later on. Meeseva birth certificate status or ghmc birth certificate status can also be checked at http://online.meeseva.gov.in/CitizenPortal/UserInterface/Citizen/OnlineLoginForm.aspx

Cost of procuring a GHMC Birth Certificate at Meeseva Hyderabad is Rs. 45 and Rs. 25 towards every additional copy of the Birth Certificate.



Documents which you are required to be submitted along with Filled Birth Registration Certificate Application Form are as follows:

You need to submit any ONE DOCUMENT from the following:

1) Physical Document
2) Non availability certificate issued by the GP or Municipal Commissioner
3) Ration card copy
4) SSC marks memo
5) Self Affidavit

Additional Information which is to be filled in the Form, Any one of the following information is sufficient:

Land Line Number: 
Mobile No: 
E-Mail id: 

Make sure to get GHMC Birth Certificate Hyderabad as soon as the child is born by taking required document from the hospital as delay in it can lead to problems later on like school admission and other government documentation for age proof.

Friday, February 1, 2013

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Fire Safety In High – Rise Buildings

Fire Safety In High – Rise Buildings


INTRODUCTION
Larger and devastating fires took places in numerous high rise building causing loss of life and property. It is difficult to fight a high rise building fire as it quickly spreads upwards (due to Chimney Effect) and the external fire fighting appliances may not be able to reach higher floors. Evacuating people especially invalids, old persons and children, without panic poses practical difficulty in most case. 

Fire loss can be prevented through careful observance of precautionary measures.

LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS

  •  Development Control Regulation/ Bye-Laws of Municipalities.
  •  National Building Codes of India, 2005 – part IV Fire & Life’s Safety.
  •  A.P. Fire Services Act 1999 & Fire and Emergency Operations and Levy of Fee Rules 2006.


PLANNING STAGE

  •  Lay out should ensure adequate fire separation between buildings to minimize Fire spread possibility.
  •  Enough space to be provided for movement of fire fighting vehicles ambulances.


DESIGN STAGE

  •  Enclosure of 2-Hour fire resistance for staircases and lift wells.
  •  Wide staircases and lobbies to permit orderly evacuation in emergency. 
  •  Pressurization of these areas will keep them free of smoke.
  •  Critical areas such as refuge areas to be protected by fire proof doors.
  •  Fire lift for exclusive use to fire fighters.
  •  Electrical wiring in metal conduits.
  •  Emergency switches at ground floor for disconnecting power, floor-wise.
  •  In central air conditioning (A/C) system, provide automatic Fire dampers (in the common duct) for each floor or occupancy.
  •  Individual A/C system for each occupancy or for each floor is preferred to central A/C System.
  •  Openings in the cable passageways (from duct to floors) to be closed.
  •  Alternate power supply for staircase & corridor lighting circuits, fire lifts and stand by fire Pump.
  •  Fire detection & /alarm System, Hose reel, Wet Risers, Yard hydrant, automatic Sprinkler and Water reservoir and fire Pumps as per National Building Code of India table 23 Part IV NBC of India, 2005.


OCCUPATION STAGE

  •  Minimize combustible materials for furnishing. Use fire retardant material for false ceiling, partitions and upholstery.
  •  Develop a simple, written fire safety plan which should include precautions for Fire prevention at occupant’s level, fire control by the building maintenance/security team and the emergency plan covering evacuation procedure.
  •  All occupants should know clearly how to identify/raise Fire alarm, call fire brigade, tackle fire and evacuate safely.


MAINTENANCE STAGE

  •  Ensure good maintenance of fire appliances.
  •  Check periodically availability of dedicated water for fire fighting.
  •  Undertake fire drills and mock exercise for evacuation.
  •  Have stringent controls against over loading of electrical circuits, accumulation of chemicals and flammables, and storage of materials in the staircase, lobbies and fire escape stairways.


DURING FIRE EMERGENCY

  •  Keep the doors and windows shut to prevent ingress of heat and smoke.
  •  Evacuate without panic, but quickly. Do not waste time in collecting things.
  •  Do not use lifts as they may malfunction.
  •  If fire is in an upper floor, proceed to lower floors and eventually to outside the building. If fire is in a lower floor, use judgment and decide the evacuation direction. Try to reach refuge area, if provided in the building.
  •  Remember that floor level will be free from smoke for longer time.

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What are the Fire Safety Measures to be taken in Office?

What are the Fire Safety Measures to be taken in Office?


FIRE SAFETY IN OFFICES
The traditional image of office work being always safe is deceptive. The 
main risk to life and property in offices is from fire. Besides loss of life. Injury to 
office workers and damages to property, critical date and irreplaceable office 
records, loss of which can give a severe blow to the organization, are vulnerable 
to poorly managed fire hazards in modern offices.

COMMON FIRE HAZARDS

  •  Paper records, plastic tapes and floppy discs.
  •  False ceiling, wooden furniture, carpet, etc.
  •  Non-Standard and faulty powered office equipment.
  •  Defective and loose electrical wiring.
  •  Overloading of electrical circuits.
  •  Free use of extension cords, ungrounded plugs and unfused multiple outlet adapters.
  •  Microwave oven, hot plate, cooking fuel (LPG), etc in office canteens.


Following are some samples tips which if followed, would certainly help to minimize incident of office fires or at lest their severity

FIRE PREVENTION
GENERAL CONSIDERATION:

  •  Practice good housekeeping. See that all thrash cans and recycling containers are emptied on a regular basis.
  •  Ensure that office and storage closest are free of excess combustible material. Limit their quantities to an acceptable level and store them only in approved cabinets.
  •  Keep heat-producing equipment such as copiers, computers, coffee makers, hot plates, etc. away form anything might burn. Don’t smoke at places other than permitted areas and discard ashes in ashtrays only.
  •  Ensure that air vent on computers and other heat-producing equipment are not covered or restricted causing inadequate airflow, which could cause a fire.
  •  Don’t place space heaters under desks. Located them in an open and away from combustibles.


ELECTRICAL CONSIDERATION:
  •  Don’t overload circuits. Install additional circuits if needed.
  •  Turn off electrical equipment / appliance while leaving the office.
  •  Use only grounded appliances plugged into grounded outlets.
  •  Disconnect electrical appliance if it malfunctions or gives off a strange smell and call the maintenance personnel.
  •  Never plug one extension cord into another.
  •  Take electrical equipment with defective cords, out of service until the cord is replaced.
  •  Avoid use of electrical extension cords. Use them only in situations where fixed wiring is not feasible. If their use is necessary, ensure that they are not run through doors, walls, floors or any other location where they could be damaged.
  •  Examine extension cords regular and ensure that they are not frayed or defective.
  •  Follow correct specifications when replacing fuses in equipment.
  •  Always prefer standard equipment bearing ISI mark.


FIRE EMERGENCY
BE PREPARED:

  •  Ensure that emergency numbers are pasted on your telephone.
  •  Know how to use fire extinguishers and active fire alarms.
  •  Don’t block fire equipment and fire exits.
  •  Ensure that fire equipment is maintained in working conditions by periodic inspection and maintenance.
  •  Report missing and damaged extinguishers immediately.


IF FIRE OCCURS

  •  Don’t panic; remain calm.
  •  Notify anyone in the immediate area and fire bridge.
  •  Activate the nearest fire alarm.
  •  Turn off the electrical equipment in the immediate area, if possible.
  •  Confine that fire by closing doors and windows.
  •  Attempts to extinguish the fire only if it is safe to do so.
  •  Stay low if there is smoke or heat.
  •  Don’t use elevators. Always use staircases: do not congregate in the stairways. Always move down and out.
  •  Don’t go back for your things if you are asked to leave.
  •  Assemble outside. Do not re-enter the building until notified.
  •  Don’t enter the area if you suspect that a life- threatening condition still exists.
  •  Take affected persons to a safer place and get medical help promptly.

--PRACTICE GOOD HOUSE KEEPING – PREVENT OFFICE FIRES--
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What are the mandatory Fire Safety Measures to be installed in the buildings?

What are the mandatory Fire Safety Measures to be installed in the buildings?
The fire safety measures are to be provided as per table 23 of part 4 National Building Code of India 2005 and as per the advice of the Fire Prevention Wing Officers.


Whether renewal of fire NOC is required?
The NOC renewal has to be obtained annually.

Are there any GHMC Licenced/ authorized fire systems installation firms?
No. It can be got done from any of the standard fire installation firms. The details may be found in Fire Service Department website.