Srinagar, Nov 7: The building permission process of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation has reportedly become a source of frustration for residents and business owners seeking approval for residential and commercial construction.

Several applicants alleged that despite completing the required formalities, they are being asked to make repeated visits to SMC offices. They claimed that they are often told that their permissions will be issued shortly, but the files continue to remain pending for extended periods.

The alleged delays have raised questions over the efficiency and transparency of the process. Some people familiar with the functioning of the corporation claimed that the slow disposal of applications could create conditions vulnerable to irregularities and corruption.

According to these claims, the corporation is currently processing only around three to four building permissions in a month. Applicants and insiders described the pace as inadequate considering the volume of construction-related applications in Srinagar.

The delays may also be affecting the corporation's revenue generation. People familiar with the process claimed that commercial building permissions can involve charges of around Rs 5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh, while residential permissions may attract fees of approximately Rs 25,000.

They argued that timely disposal of applications could help the corporation generate significant revenue while providing greater certainty to residents and business owners.

Concerns have also been raised that prolonged delays could encourage some applicants to seek informal solutions or approach enforcement and ward-level officials. According to these allegations, such circumstances can weaken the regulated approval system and create opportunities for unauthorized arrangements.

The issue has gained attention following a recent meeting chaired by the newly appointed SMC Commissioner, during which Enforcement and Ward Officers were reportedly questioned over their alleged failure to prevent illegal constructions.

However, some insiders questioned whether equal attention was being given to administrative delays within the permission system. They argued that enforcement against unauthorized construction should be accompanied by an efficient mechanism for processing legitimate applications within clearly defined timelines.

Another concern is the number of applicants who reportedly approach courts for deemed building permissions after facing prolonged delays in obtaining decisions from the corporation. Such cases can result in additional litigation and may also affect potential revenue collection by the civic body.

People familiar with the matter also recalled that building permissions were reportedly processed at a faster pace in 2019, when the corporation was able to generate revenue running into crores through the process. They said the slowdown in subsequent years has made obtaining approval increasingly difficult for many applicants.

The situation has consequently raised questions about whether the corporation's enforcement and revenue mechanisms are being supported by an equally efficient system for granting lawful construction permissions.

Residents and business owners seeking approvals have called for a transparent and time-bound mechanism, with clear responsibility fixed on officials dealing with applications. They said timely decisions would reduce uncertainty, discourage unauthorized construction and help strengthen the corporation's revenue collection system.