Setting standards

the Orissa government has implemented a new Act called 'Planning and building standards regulation 2001'. As per the Act, construction of buildings and high-rise apartments within 100 metres of historical monuments --which are being protected by Archaeological Survey of India (asi) and State Archaeological Department -- has been banned. Besides, construction has also been prohibited in 18 revenue villages coming under the heritage zone in and around Bhubaneswar.

The Ancient Monument Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, had similar provisions. But these were not included in the Planning and Building Regulation Acts.

There are 40,000 buildings identified in Bhubaneswar which defy this new regulation. Owners of these buildings would be given one-time amnesty to disclose voluntarily the deviation made by them in construction and regularise it by paying a compounding fine.