Even after almost 70 years of India’s independence , we do not have a regulatory system in place to ensure that the buildings that are being built in India are safe , aesthetic, and efficient . Most of our small towns are being built by  mistrys , masons who have turned into contractors , and people who do not have any technical or professional skills .

There is no regulation for Civil engineers , nor for Structural engineers , and there is no regulation which defines the difference between professionals who are educated in the design disciplines and those who are trained only to monitor and assist in construction . 

There is no hierarchy in place for site supervisors , clerks-of- works , quantity surveyors , quality surveyors   , and the other various skills which are required to construct safe , aesthetic , and efficient buildings .

This lack of a regulatory mechanism is the main reason why our small towns and villages ( sometimes even cities and suburbs ) , often look ugly , are built unsafely , and are not efficient in their usage of energy etc . While there is an Architects Act in place in the country , there are no corresponding acts for Civil Engineers , Structural Engineers , Site supervisors , and other trades which are needed for proper and good construction .

In the medical profession , there are regulators for specialists, doctors , nurses , OT staff, Laboratory technicians , and health facility workers of all types of skills which are required for proper professional care .

 Developed countries have regulatory mechanisms  for all the components of skills required for good building design and construction .

Similar regulator measures need to be put into place to ensure that persons who are not skilled enough to design and construct buildings ( both big and small ) are not allowed to either design or construct buildings. 

There is an urgent need for a National Building Regulation Act which can address these issues , and can bring Civil Engineers , Structural Engineers, Site supervisors , and other trades under a law which regulates both their education and professional conduct .

 This is an appeal to the Prime Minister’s Office to initiate action to establish a regulatory mechanism for the Built Environment in India .