The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : 7,000 unauthorised structures detected

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 17, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

7,000 unauthorised structures detected

N.J.Nair

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vigilance wing of the Town and Country Planning Department is understood to have detected around 7,000 unauthorised buildings, including residential commercial structures, all over the State. Such structures are being identified far more frequently in the corporation and municipal limits .

Since Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi are potential destinations for IT development, construction companies are making a beeline to the suburbs, jeopardising planned development. If the current trend goes unchecked, the corporation and municipal areas will soon have to face traffic congestion, breakdown of power and sewerage lines, drinking water scarcity and problems in solid waste management on an unprecedented scale.

Apart from violations of the Kerala Municipal Building Rules (KMBR), cases of individuals and institutions securing undue benefits in the name of surrendering land for development purposes have also come to light. So too are instances of securing exemptions in building plans.

The district-wise break up is likely to be released soon.

While the Vigilance wing has decided to step up the drive against unauthorised construction, the alleged lukewarm approach of certain local self-government institutions in initiating punitive action in time coupled with stay orders issued by the municipal tribunal as well as various courts have chilled the enthusiasm of the officials in moving ahead with stringent action against erring builders and individuals.

Local Administration Department sources told The Hindu here on Sunday that the drive was launched as per a firm directive of the government and instead of going on a demolition spree, officials were directed to proceed with caution and strict adherence to rules in order to avert legal intervention.

On detecting cases of violations, the civic chiefs issued notice, but quite often, did not pursue it with vigour. This inaction was reported to have given a leeway to certain builders and individuals to flout the rules and get away with it.

Sources said the amendments proposed to the municipal building rules and the implementation of exclusive rules for panchayats were expected to plug the loopholes.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala