HMDA sets up Green Channel

Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has signalled green a one stop people-friendly plan that is all set to be operational from January 1, 2014. As part of its new fast track clearance of property development, systems are in place for the HMDA to issue permissions through a new plan called ‘Green Channel’.

The name originates from the Green Channel in international airports, where passengers who do not have anything to declare walk through the green exit without standing in queue for examination of their bags.

Come this New Year, people no longer have to wait in queues and roam around offices for permission for layouts and construction of buildings. The new ‘Green Channel’ plan promises faster disposal of applications with no change in charges.

This plan was green lighted after a discussion with Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India (CREDAI) and Andhra Pradesh Real Estate Developers Association (APREDA). Permission for the layouts will be taken up in Phase-I and action plan is being prepared for Phase-II, wherein permission for the buildings will also be given.

How does ‘Green Channel’ work?

Application and acknowledgement slip have to be downloaded from HMDA’s website, www.hmda.gov.in. The filled in application form along with the necessary documents has to be submitted at the HMDA office. After the applications are received, they will be verified and cleared within seven working days, informing whether permission can be given or not.

If the application is cleared for permission, then the applicant has to submit additional documents in case of shortfall, if any, and pay the fee. The agreement for the approval of the layout can be had, within the next seven working days at the Citizen Facility Centre (CFC).

It should be noted that for getting permissions earlier, it would take anywhere between two-six months. The applicant was made to run from one table to another in the office many times. Officials with the HMDA said that with introduction of Green Channel, the clearance time would reduce drastically.

Neerabh Kumar Prasad, HMDA commissioner said that the Green Channel would enable applicants to obtain faster clearance for their development projects. This would be initially applicable to layout approval and no additional fee would be charged. A separate panel would be constituted by the HMDA to clear the applications and the panels would include architects and document verification experts.