The Hindu : Front Page : Violation of FAR norms detected

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Friday, Oct 10, 2008
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Violation of FAR norms detected

N.J. Nair

LSGIs suffer heavy revenue loss
Evasions detected in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Manipulations in the floor area ratio (FAR) norms of commercial and residential buildings are eating into the revenue of local self-government institutions (LSGIs) in the State.

A random inspection conducted by the Vigilance inspection wing of the Town and Country Planning Department in different parts of the State is understood to have unearthed several instances where the norms have been violated to benefit the builders.

Such cases resulting in heavy loss of revenue have been detected in both rural and urban civic bodies. The Kerala Municipal Building Rules in force in corporations, municipalities and panchayats stipulate that the minimum FAR for commercial and residential buildings is 2.5 and the maximum 3 and 4 respectively. Builders have to remit an additional fees of Rs.1,000 per sq metre for buildings which exceed the specified FAR limits. Civic authorities often approve the measurements furnished by the builders and do not make an independent spot verification to check the veracity of details offered to them. Evasions detected in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi corporations as well as Kazhakkuttom, Maradu and Thrikkakara grama panchayats, which are emerging IT hubs, have been cited as a case in point to prove how crores of rupees due to the civic bodies have been pocketed by some builders with the connivance of a section of officials and elected members, sources said.

Poor maintenance of details with respect to applications for remitting additional fee often denies the scope for a detailed probe. Some panchayats do not even maintain registers, sources said.

A proposal to institute a three-tier inspection system is gathering dust.

As per the proposal, the three-tier mechanism should comprise a member of the LSGI, a representative each of the Vigilance wing and the District Town Planner to examine applications for remitting additional fee. Owing to the delay in setting up the district-level mechanism, plugging the revenue loss has also become a difficult proposition, sources said.

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