Rampant building violations continues in Chennai
Regulatory authorities like Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and Greater Chennai Corporation have identified 1,105 buildings violating norms across the city but there is a tepid response from these bodies when it comes to penalizing the violators by demolishing the structures that have been served lock, seal and demolish notices. The corporation has identified and issued notices to 275 buildings. However, data shows that of these structures, 189 were de-sealed by the corporation. "Based on a court’s order or an order from the housing and urban development department, buildings put under lock and seal can be de-sealed for a certain period. The reason could be for removal of goods from the building or for the owner to rectify violations," said a corporation official. Of these 189 de-sealed structures, only 45 have been regularized. Thirty-five structures were again re-sealed but 109 structures remain de-sealed till date, sources said. The official said only after the de-sealing period lapsed can action be taken but refused to comment on the number of violating buildings served demolition notices. Most number of buildings sealed for violation were in Royapuram zone (66) followed by Anna Nagar and Thiru Vi Ka zones. "Generally we pursue and take action after the notice is served for demolition unless there is some court stay order or appeal with the housing department," a senior corporation official said. CMDA has issued lock, seal and demolish notices to 616 buildings till last year and to 20 buildings this year. Of these, it could seal 165 buildings so far. It has detected violations in 194 buildings and completion certificates were either rejected or returned for 41 buildings. Of the 20 buildings CMDA has issued demolition notices, eight are commercial buildings. Sources said crowded neighbourhoods and the scale of violations prevent officials from taking action. "The number of violations is so huge that it is impossible to track. Often structures are built after the building is occupied, often on the terrace," said an official. Retired IAS official and former member of CMDA M G Devasahayam said absence of governance and corruption were the reason for rampant building violations. "It is a big problem in urban areas. T Nagar is a standing example of the total absence of governance. People get away paying money." If authorities want to take action, people move court and get a stay order asking for time, Devasahayam said.
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