Bhubaneswar, Nov. 14 -- Housing and Urban Development Department Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee has directed officials to clear all pending building plan approval applications within stipulated timelines. She warned that deliberate delays or negligence would invite strict action.

At a review meeting held at Kharavela Bhawan on Friday, Padhee examined pending applications under the Online Building Plan Approval System (OBPAS) across Development Authorities, Municipal Corporations and other Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

She directed officials to identify authority-wise and ULB-wise delays and ensure early disposal of applications. Files pending beyond seven days should be escalated to higher authorities wherever necessary.

She also ...