In a first, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has ordered the removal of a partially-erected telecommunications tower atop a two-storey building.

The construction of the tower by Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. on a building on Bodheshwaran Road had sparked protests by the Nandavanam Residents’ Association, leading to a legal battle since the launch of the work in 2015.

The Corporation had earlier ordered the removal of the foundation constructed for the tower.

The foundation was found to be illegal under provisions of the Kerala Municipality Act, 1994. The residents’ association claimed that the company had misled the authorities.

The company had later contested the Corporation’s directive before the tribunal for Local Self Government Institutions.

The residents’ association had also impleaded in the case. The work was found to be in violation of Section 406 (1) of the Kerala Municipal Building Rules, 1999. The Corporation served notice to the building owners, directing the tower’s removal. A foundation, 8 metres long, 50 cm wide and 50 cm high, had been constructed.

Nandavanam residents’ association president K. Surendran said this was the first time that the Corporation had directed the removal of a tower.