Bhubaneswar: Concerned over delays in processing building plan approvals, the state govt on Friday directed all development authorities, municipal corporations and urban local bodies (ULBs) to ensure time-bound disposal of pending applications under the Online Building Plan Approval System (OBPAS), warning that officials responsible for deliberate delays will face strict action.Reviewing the pendency of OBPAS applications at a meeting here, additional chief secretary of the housing and urban development department Usha Padhee stressed the need for greater accountability, transparency and efficiency in the approval process.Padhee reviewed the status of pending applications, identified procedural bottlenecks and directed authorities to carry out a data-driven assessment to pinpoint authority-wise and ULB-wise delays. She asked officials to take immediate steps to clear the backlog and fix responsibility for avoidable delays.To strengthen accountability, Padhee directed authorities to improve digital file tracking and introduce an escalation mechanism for applications pending beyond seven days, so that such cases can be reviewed at higher levels without delay.She also instructed officials to strengthen the SUJOG platform with better monitoring and tracking mechanisms to ensure transparent processing of applications. Padhee emphasised that applicants should receive clear information regarding approval requirements, procedures and timelines, while repetitive and unnecessary queries from departments should be avoided.Highlighting the need for citizen-friendly service delivery, Padhee called for simplification of guidance documents and wider dissemination of information through digital platforms, explanatory videos and other communication tools. She also suggested leveraging technical expertise available in govt engineering colleges and polytechnics to support planning-related processes.Reiterating the importance of technology-driven governance, Padhee urged the SUJOG team and all concerned authorities to address systemic issues and ensure a hassle-free, transparent and dependable building plan approval system for citizens.Officials from development authorities, municipal corporations and other ULBs attended the review meeting.