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Corporation acts against unauthorised structures

Tuesday, 11 February 2014 06:11 administrator
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The Times of India            11.02.2014

Corporation acts against unauthorised structures

COIMBATORE: The long pending issue of taking appropriate action against illegal constructions in the city is expected to be revived soon with the Madras High Court verdict against the regularisation of illegal buildings in the state on Monday. The court order has literally left the city municipal corporation and Local Planning Authority (LPA) with no option but to take proper action against illegal structures which in most cases will lead to demolition. The first bench of the court in its ruling has clearly asked the government to refrain from giving further extension to violators of building rules. However, the ruling has evoked mixed response from the construction sector as builders believe the authorities should ensure stringent implementation of the building rules right at the point of construction itself, to stop the proliferation of illegal structures.

"We are hoping for the building rules to be a bit more relaxed in the state. It should be framed in such a way so as to allow some variations based on the size of the plot. We welcome the court verdict but also demand that the enforcement of rules should be stringent in the initial phase itself rather than later, after completion of construction work," said K Viswanathan, Former Vice President, Builders Association of India and a city-based builder.

The verdict was the result of PILs filed before the court challenging the earlier recommendation of the Justice Mohan committee to stretch the cut off date for regularisation of illegal structures build up to 2007. Builders feel that though the regularisation option was extended to concrete structures constructed till 2007, there were certain clauses like only those with 50 percent deviation which make it literally impossible to make use of the building regularisation scheme.

"It is a welcome development for those who abide by the law and do not opt to take shortcuts. More people will probably try to follow the norms now and think twice before making any deviations from the approved plan," said S Kanagasundaram, Former President, Association of Licensed Building Surveyors, Coimbatore.

Senior officials of the corporation and Local Planning Authority claimed that the number of regularisation applications received were extremely low. The Local Planning Authority (LPA) officials claimed that they had earlier identified about 250 educational buildings alone in the district that were constructed in violation of the norms and had served notices to them.

The corporation had issued notices and initiated lock and seal action against 68 unauthorised structures. The drive gained momentum after the massive fire at Vigneswar Cresta building in the city in April 2013. 

 

'Don't Pay for Free Toilets'

Monday, 10 February 2014 11:32 administrator
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The New Indian Express              10.02.2014 

'Don't Pay for Free Toilets'

Over the past few weeks, the Corporation of Chennai has cracked the whip on several anti-social elements who were found collecting tariff at various free public toilets maintained by the civic body around the city.

The action, following complaints from public about the illegal fee collection, has been intensified since last week, after the officials arrested a 23-year-old youth for collecting fee at a public convenience on MC Road, Royapuram.

Officials, last week, conducted surprise raids at public toilets in Corporation zones five, six, eight, nine, 10 and 13 to verify the complaints.

During the raid, seven persons, who were found fee at public toilets located in wards 59, 74, 100, 125, 136 and 170 of the Corporation, were arrested and remanded.

The Corporation maintains over 900 public toilets around the city which are available for use to the public free of cost.

The civic body has advised the public to refuse to pay for using them.

In case, payment is demanded, the public can also register a complaint at the Vigilance Department of the Corporation or at 1913.

 

Madurai Corporation to restore water bodies

Wednesday, 05 February 2014 11:48 administrator
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The Times of India           05.02.2014

Madurai Corporation to restore water bodies

MADURAI: The Madurai Corporation has planned to take up restoration of water bodies to meet the acute water shortage in the city. According to officials, work would be initiated after government gives a 'go ahead' nod to their project report, which would be sent shortly.

Initially, three water bodies, namely the Madakulam tank, the Vandiyur tank and the Sellur tank, would be restored. Talking to TOI about the corporation's long-term plans to meet the water crisis, A Mathuram, city engineer (in-charge), said, "Water bodies are strength of a city. Initially, the three water bodies and their feeder channels will be restored. Project report in this regard has already been prepared by the corporation. However, the project details would be sent to the government for fund allotment. There are signs that government is showing interest in restoring water bodies."

As the underground drainage channel project has already been completed, it would be easy to prevent the pollution of water bodies and its feeder channels. Moreover, the Madurai Corporation already has a treatment plant, which is an advantage, he added.

Briefing about the drinking water requirement in the city, officials said. "The population in old city comprising 72 wards is 11 lakh and the population in the newly annexed 28 wards is 4.6 lakh. Hence, the total number of population here is 15.6 lakh. As per guidelines the corporation has to supply 136 litres of water per head per day, which means 210 million litres per day (MLD) is required. However, it is able to supply only 127 MLD from two water sources, one being the combined water supply system and the other being the Vaigai Dam.

As a temporary measure, 34 open wells have been identified at various places and their quality is being checked. Water from the wells would be transported by engaging private trucks. Sinking of another 125 bore wells in each of the four Corporation zones is underway, said mayor V V Rajan Chellappa.

Earlier, the corporation had announced that drinking water would be supplied to the residents once in four days. According to the mayor, the present distribution system would enable water supply only up to March.

"Hence, we had to make it once in four days. By this, we can ensure that water from Vaigai can be made available at least till April. This would come into effect from Thursday," he said on the regulations.

 
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