Launched on May 14, building regularisation portal gets 4k applications

Ranchi: The state govt’s ambitious building regularisation drive has got off to a sluggish start, with the dedicated portal receiving around 4,000 applications since its launch on May 14.

The two-month application window is scheduled to close on July 13Introduced to implement the Jharkhand Unauthorised Constructed Building Regularisation Rules 2026, the scheme was intended to benefit around 7 lakh homeowners across the state, who had constructed houses without an approved building plan.As of Thursday, Ranchi district led the state with 1,704 submissions, out of which 1,272 were from the Ranchi Municipal Corporation area and 432 from the Ranchi Regional Development Authority (RRDA).

Dhanbad followed with 482 applications, while Bokaro recorded 464. The numbers in other districts remained remarkably low, with several nagar panchayats and urban local bodies receiving applications in single digits, and some drawing a complete blank.Association of Licensed Technical Professionals of Jharkhand president Sujeet Bhagat said, “Widespread confusion over rules has deterred applicants. A major issue is the road binding requirement.

The regularisation rules align with the Jharkhand Building Byelaws 2016, which mandate a minimum 25-foot frontal road for any unauthorised construction to qualify for regularisation," adding that very few colonies can meet this criterion.

”Seconding his concern, a property owner said, "Why should I pay a professional to file an application that will get rejected over the road width rule? Doing this only puts my property on the govt's radar and wastes my money.”Also, citizens are urging the govt to scrap the clause that limits the total plot size to 300 sq mt, and cap the built-up area instead.As the deadline approaches, residents and professionals alike are demanding an extension alongside greater clarity on the rules.Urban development secretary Sunil Kumar said, "Sufficient time will be given for people to apply for regularisation. We will examine the other demands and provide clarification for the same.”