Misuse of residences in City to cost

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: The government has decided to take action against the residential houses that have turned into business premises in the Kathmandu Valley for violating the 2008 building standard of Government of Nepal.

Most of those houses — corporate houses, schools, colleges, fast foods, supermarkets, nursing homes and cooperatives — lack basic infrastructure like parking space and safety measures required for organisational buildings.

Meanwhile, to curb malpractices, Kathmandu Valley Town Development Authority is working on drafting additional standards for the houses in the city with utility approaches.

The new standards, for the proper utility of the houses, will seek compulsory standard certificate by the government agency, said Bhaikaji Tiwari, District Commissioner at KVTDA.

“The corporate organisations, schools and colleges have to fulfil the criteria to renew their operation making it binding to all,” added Tiwari.

Kathmandu Division

Office of Department of

Urban Development has already enforced a

compulsory standard certification for the Valley hospitals to discourage the use of residential buildings.

“The department will look into safety concerns for the hospitals and schools upon their renewal applications,” senior engineer at Division Office Shiva Hari Sharma told this daily. There are about 35 such applications, he informed.

The new criteria will be in place shortly after their approval from the cabinet, Tiwari informed. He said the loopholes in the buildings used for both business and residential purposes were the main reason behind misinterpreting the utility.

The Town Development Authority has proposed Rs 1 million fine for those who violate the amended KVTDA act.