Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Jul 29: In a significant step aimed at easing the repair process for homeowners, the Department of Urban Development has announced that repair permits for single-dwelling units within municipal limits will now be issued within three working days — a move that promises relief from bureaucratic delays.

Issuing a circular on Monday, Additional Secretary and Director of Urban Development, Brijesh Manerkar, directed the Commissioner of the Corporation of City of Panaji and Chief Officers of all municipal councils to swiftly approve repair applications — provided certain criteria are met.

“To avoid undue procedural delays and prevent further damage to structures, permissions must be issued for legal or registered single-dwelling units that have been listed for house tax for at least five years,” the circular stated.

Homeowners seeking approval must submit a sketch or plan of the structure, recent photographs, and a certificate from a registered architect or structural engineer mentioning the nature of repair work and estimated cost.

Once the application is received, officials are mandated to process it within three working days. If no decision is taken in that time, permission will be deemed granted, and applicants can proceed with the repairs — as long as the work doesn’t violate any existing laws.

However, the department clarified that such permissions are not a recognition of ownership. “Repair permission shall not be treated as proof of title or ownership of the property,” it added.

This reform is expected to speed up essential repair work for homeowners, especially in aging residential areas, ensuring safety and structural upkeep without red tape.