Architects in Mumbai have raised objections to a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) directive that seeks to hold architects and licensed surveyors accountable for air-pollution violations at construction sites.
The Council of Architecture has written to Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, asking the civic administration to reconsider its September 2 circular. The directive states that licences of architects and licensed surveyors could be suspended if prescribed air-pollution mitigation measures are not implemented at construction sites.
The circular was issued following recommendations of a high-powered committee constituted under directions of the Bombay High Court to address air-quality concerns in Mumbai.
In a letter dated September 14, the Council of Architecture said it supports efforts to reduce construction-related pollution but argued that responsibilities at active construction sites should rest with those managing the work.
“preparing a site for construction and undertaking demolitions is the sole responsibility of owners, developers and construction contractors.”
The council said an architect’s professional duties should not extend to omissions or violations by owners, developers or contractors, particularly those concerning the daily implementation, upkeep and monitoring of air-pollution control measures.
It has therefore urged the BMC to amend its September 2 circular so architects and licensed surveyors are not held responsible for such operational lapses.
Architects Question Scope of Responsibility
Vikas Nagalkar of the Practising Engineers, Architects and Town Planners Association (PEATA) said, “The scope of an architect’s work is pre-construction activity. They cannot be expected to stand on site and check adherence to norms.”
Shirish Sukhatme, former president of PEATA, also questioned the assignment of responsibility.
“Architects design, supervise the building and implement the development control regulations. They have no role in demolition, which is the job of builders.” Moreover, he said, no one can revoke an architect’s licence, except the council.
The issue has emerged as Mumbai steps up efforts to control dust and other construction-related sources of air pollution. While civic authorities are seeking greater compliance with mitigation measures, architects have argued that responsibility should be clearly assigned to parties who directly control construction-site operations.
BMC to Examine the Representation
Sunil Rathod, chief engineer of the BMC’s development plan department, said, “We will take up this matter with the municipal commissioner and high-power committee.’’
The response will now depend on how the BMC and the high-powered committee address the concerns raised by the architectural community.
At the centre of the dispute is the distinction between an architect’s design and regulatory role and the day-to-day responsibility for implementing safety and pollution-control measures at an active construction site.
Source: Hindustan Times
Pic Credit: The Free Press Journal
