Tuesday, August 16, 2011

World Bank’s fuel storage tank proposal gets Completion Certificate despite deviations

C Shivakumar
Chennai:
A World Bank proposal to build diesel storage tank was given a Completion Certificate by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority’s enforcement cell by turning a blind eye to alleged deviations and then later rejecting the proposal by seeking removal of alleged structures in the setbacks area.

The proposal to construct underground diesel storage tank at an approved site in Taramani in Kottivakkam village was submitted by the World Bank on October 2009 and CMDA had then instructed it to remove Vacuum circuit breaker panel and ring main gear (RMG) erected in the setbacks and relocate the same as it was not covered in the earlier plan.

The proposal was later unapproved in February 2, 2011 as World Bank failed to comply with CMDA’s request. However, World Bank has requested to reconsider the case on June 21, this year, stating that Completion Certificate has been issued for the main building and the alleged structures in no way affects the free movement of the vehicles and they are only temporary structures open to sky with less than four metres height.

Interestingly, it was found that already RMG and VCB structures with the dimension of 5.4m x 8.43m (length of 15 metres) affecting six parking lots shown in the approved plan was existing even at the time of issuance of Completion Certificate and it was noted as allowable deviation and objection was not raised and a completion certificate was given.

“After issuing the Completion Certificate now CMDA is raising objections to remove the structure, which appears to be not sustainable,” said sources, adding that it brings the enforcement cell in bad light.

Highly placed sources in CMDA told Express that the clearance would be given to World Bank If it resubmits the planning permission along with no objection certificate from Department of Explosives and Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DF&RS).

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