The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Nilgiris Collector’s submission to court

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Thursday, Jan 17, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Nilgiris Collector’s submission to court

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: There are no Government Orders in force restraining provision of water and electricity supply to buildings constructed without permission or in deviation of approved plan, the Madras High Court has been informed.

A submission to this effect was made by Anandarao Patil, District Collector, the Nilgiris, in response to a public interest litigation petition filed by advocate G. Rajendran. The matter, being heard by the First Bench comprising Chief Justice A.P. Shah and Justice F.M. Ibrahim Kalifulla, is posted to January 21 for further proceedings.

Among other reliefs, the petition sought legal and coercive steps against all illegal and unauthorised constructions in Ooty, Gudalur, Kothagiri and Coonoor areas in the Nilgiris district.

The Collector, denying the averments in the petition, contended that the statutory Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA) scrutinised all building applications having more than 300 sq m of built-up area and other development activities taking into consideration public safety and welfare.

Noting that appropriate action had been initiated against all buildings constructed after 1993 in violation of norms, the official said fine amounts had been collected, prosecution initiated and demolition orders issued in case of many buildings.

The counter-affidavit said no building licence had been issued in prohibited zones such as the Udhagamandalam lake, Botanical Garden and Race Course.

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