I had read in Propertt that the Centre was proposing to make environment impact assessment (EIA) clearance mandatory for big projects. Will it be applicable to those projects that have already started construction?I have booked a flat in a housing complex with three G+12 towers. The foundation work is complete in all the three buildings and the casting of the second floor is going on. I want to make a one-time payment but will not do so if the EIA is applicable to the complex as that will delay the project.

Name withheld

Any project where work has been done beyond the plinth level on the date of publication of the notification need not go for EIA. Only the draft notification for this rule is ready.

We have a garage space in a G+3 ownership building. We do not own a car, nor do we intend to. Can we use the space for commercial purposes like an office or a boutique? I also want to know the procedure and probable charges for turning a residential flat into an office. Do we need to do it through a licensed building surveyor or a civil engineer? Can we build a separate staircase from the garage to our first-floor flat?

Name withheld

Any changes to the original plan, which has been approved by the Calcutta Municipal Corporation, need the CMC’s permission. This is applicable for both change of use or structure. A CMC-empanelled licensed building surveyor will be able to help you.

I am a US citizen and have bought an apartment in Tollygunj. It will be handed over in early 2006. A Calcutta realtor is the marketing agent for the building. What documents do I need to send to the RBI after the handover and how much time do I have? Are there any NRI-specific regulations that I need to know of? I would like to remove a couple of walls, install kitchen cabinets, an A/C and water heaters, make electrical modifications, paint the walls and buy furniture. Are there interior decorators or contractors who do all this?

A. Biswas, Texas

If you are a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) ? that is, if you have ever held an Indian passport or if you or your father or grandfather was a citizen of India by virtue of the Constitution or the citizenship act ? you do not need RBI clearance. There are no NRI-specific requirements either if you are a PIO. Instead of an interior decorator, you can ask the realtor for help.

Send your queries to propertt@abpmail.com or mail them to

Sambit Saha, Business Telegraph, ABP Ltd,
6, Prafulla Sarkar Street, Calcutta — 700001