Development Control Regulations (DCR)
Building a safe society starts from building safe residences and in turn towns and cities which are governed by
Development Control Regulations (DCR) for that region. DCR is guideline and can be amended to suite the
changing requirements of region. In spite of the available rules and regulations and enforcing agencies it is
observed that there is rampant practice of flouting the rules and regulations by developers, builders, and
constructors. There is lack of responsibility towards the mankind and it’s Safety. In present world Monetary Gains
prevail over value of life of Human being, resulting in worst construction practices. The construction activity in
India is governed by Development Control Regulations of States, local bodies and other documents accepted as
regulatory provisions such as National Building Code, IS Codes, Fire Safety Acts etc. Safety aspect has been
studied extensively based on the accidents encountered and experience gained over a period of time.
Technological advancement has given an edge to enhance the safety of people in much better way.
In present situation there is huge gap in demand and supply of residence for low income group people. This gap
has resulted in rampant unregulated construction of low cost residential buildings with the land owners developing
and constructing the buildings on their own. The involvement of non technical personnel in construction is proving
to be dangerous as quality of construction is not taken care to required standards and this is happening as there
are no strict laws governing the process od construction and accountability for sub standard construction done.
The objective of forming DCR applicable for Municipal Corporations / Council and Town Planning Act for small
and large cities was
• To ensure the land use is made for purpose assigned
• Proportionate and appropriate land allocation for Commercial, Residential, Institutional, Recreational,
Community Welfare, Industrial purposes.
• Planning and providing services and infrastructure to cater to growing population.
• Avoid unregulated development.
• Create a safe and healthy environment for the residents / occupants.
• Preserve the natural habitat in overall process.
National Building Code – ( NBC )
Construction, both public and private, accounts for about fifty percent of the total outlay in any Five Year Plan.
Half of the total money spent on construction activities is spent on buildings for residential, industrial, commercial,
administrative, education, medical, municipal and entertainment uses. It is estimated that about half of the total
outlay on buildings would be on housing. National Building Code came into existence to unify the building
regulations throughout the country for use by Government departments, municipal bodies and other construction
agencies. The then Indian Standards Institution (now Bureau of Indian Standards) was entrusted by the Planning
Commission with the preparation of the National Building Code.
NBC comprises of different sections based on provisions for various facets of building construction and is as
below.
• Administration
• Development Control Rules
• Fire and Life Safety
• Building Material
• Structural Design
• Construction practices and Safety
• Building Services
Safety aspects of a building are based on
• Location and its ground stability
• Structural Stability
• Occupational Safety
• Fire Safety Provisions
• Safe Evacuation Provisions
• Safe access and exit
Safety aspects are checked at various stages as below,
•Planning and Designing
• During Construction
• Pre Occupancy
• Post Occupancy
The safety provisions covered in planning are
• Access to and from building from adjacent road
• Movement areas such as corridors, staircase, lifts
• Fire Safety installations
The Design stages involves
• Seismic zone and soil data report of proposed location
• Structural design as per applicable codes.
• Specifying materials considered in design stage for use in building construction.
During construction safety of building can be ensured by monitoring, supervising the works as per laid down
procedure by
• Supervision by qualified Engineers & Supervisors
• Use of Quality materials
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