What an IDEA to curb illegal constructions!

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

In a bid to curb unauthorized constructions, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority has stressed the need for a multi-agency unit with representations from various departments.

According to a report submitted to the government recently, CMDA has urged the need for a Inter-Departmental Enforcement Agency (IDEA) headed by vice-chairman, CMDA with ample representations from various departments including Chennai Corporation, Director of Town Panchayats, District Collector, Police, TNEB, CMWSSB, Telephones and Registration Department.

The report estimates that 20,000 odd buildings of Ordinary, Special, Institutional and Multi-Storeyed categories mushroom every year in CMA and nearly one-third of these buildings are built with deviations in some form or the other to an already approved plan.

“In CMDA, more than 40,000 cases have been booked and action initiated. There is a gross imbalance between the number of unauthorised constructions coming up and those against which action has been initiated,” the report said.

The report also stressed the need to avoid duplication by preparing a master list of files  with a specifically programmed software. This will enable a perfect record of each and every site looked for violation or deviation.

Besides, the enforcement cell should periodically inspect the site right from the stage of submission of planning permission application and report to the plan sanctioning section in area plans unit so that in the event of detection of deviated construction, issue of planning permission is at stake. This will instil a sense of responsibility in the builder to adhere to norms, the report said.

The report also said the Madras City Municipal Corporation Act, 1919, which prescribes the obligations and responsibilities of Licensed Surveyors besides fixing onus on the owner of the site or building not to commence construction without intimating to the Corporation, should be strictly enforced.