Air quality lab building by next year: BSPCB

PATNA: Work on construction of an ‘air quality laboratory building’ has started at the Patliputra Industrial Estate here.

The foundation stone for the laboratory, to be used by the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), was laid down by environment, forest and climate change minister Tej Pratap Yadav on September 7 to mark ‘International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies’.

A 10,465sqft plot worth Rs 3.57 crore had been allotted by the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority near a prominent mall at Patliputra for the construction of the laboratory. The project, being carried out by the Industrial Development Authority (IDA), entails an expenditure of around Rs 16 crore.

“The land is being readied for the construction of the building. The project is expected to be completed by the end of next year,” said S Chandrasekar, member secretary of the BSPCB.

The multi-disciplinary laboratory will have facilities for sample collection and test, dedicated space for scientists and a conference room. The entire premises will be certified as a green building by the Indian Green Building Council.

Kolkata: No CC to buildings if trees hacked illegally at construction sites

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) buildings department is taking steps to prevent the unauthorized felling of trees for construction purposes. The department will withhold the completion certificate (CC) for housing projects or individual buildings if developers or landowners are found to have allowed tree cutting without permission. KMC officials will visit construction sites to compare the number of trees in the building plans with the actual number on-site. The KMC parks department will work with the buildings department to monitor construction sites and report any unauthorized tree cutting.

Builder booked for construction in sealed bldg

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has filed a police complaint against a builder and his associates for continuing construction on a sealed building in Hazratganj. The builder, Sanjeet Singh, was issued a notice to stop work due to violations of the UP Town Planning and Development Act. Despite the seal, the construction was resumed. The LDA lodged an FIR, and the police have registered a case against the builder. This incident highlights the issue of builders disregarding regulations and continuing construction illegally.

GCC to build new council hall at Ripon Buildings

The Greater Chennai Corporation plans to build a new council hall on the Ripon Buildings campus due to space constraints in the existing hall. The current hall was designed for 155 councillors, but there are now 200, causing overcrowding during council meetings. The corporation will demolish two old non-heritage structures to make room for the new hall. Additionally, senior officers will be moved to a new green building under construction, and the ground floor of the Ripon Buildings will be converted into a library. Changes will be made in accordance with the heritage structure's rules.