Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced a simplified online system for property owners to submit planning and legal documents for commercial establishments operating without the required approvals. The initiative follows directions issued by the Supreme Court to ensure strict enforcement against unauthorised constructions and misuse of residential buildings.
Under the new system, owners of flats, apartments, plots, residential houses, and commercial establishments that have been converted into shops, hostels, hotels, educational institutions, clinical establishments, or other commercial facilities without obtaining approval from BMC or the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) can now upload their documents online. The online portal for document submission will become operational from August 8.
BMC has urged all concerned property owners to upload their planning approvals, building plans, permissions, and other relevant legal documents within 4 weeks of receiving the notice. Following an extensive survey, BMC has issued notices to 4,632 commercial establishments found to be operating in violation of approved building plans or without the required permissions. Public notices have also been published through various media outlets to inform affected property owners. The action is based on the SC’s orders in SLP No. 8044, dated May 20, 2026, and July 9, 2026, directing local urban authorities to take immediate and effective action against unauthorised constructions, deviations from sanctioned building plans, and illegal commercial use of residential premises. The court directed authorities to seal, demolish, or initiate other legal proceedings wherever violations are established. BMC stated that such violations also contravene the provisions of the Odisha Development Authorities (ODA) Act, 1982, and the Planning and Building Standards Regulations. To make compliance easier, property owners can upload their documents through the BMC website or the dedicated online portal. Those who do not possess planning approval or other required documents have been advised to approach the competent BMC authority to regularise their cases wherever permissible under the law.
The civic body has also made it mandatory for legally operating commercial establishments to upload all relevant documents online and update their holding tax records. According to BMC, maintaining digital records will help streamline future inspections and improve transparency in enforcement. BMC has warned that unauthorised conversion of residential premises for commercial or non-residential purposes will be treated as illegal. Such properties may face sealing, closure, demolition, or other legal action in accordance with the SC’s directions and applicable laws. BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana appealed to citizens and property owners to cooperate with the verification drive by submitting the required documents within the stipulated timeline.
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