Two days after the inferno at a commercial building, officials of
Coimbatore Corporation swung into action and sealed 12 complexes for
violating building norms.

Some of the sealed buildings were
already occupied while the rest were being constructed. Many of the
buildings identified to be in violation of rules were located in the
areas of Thudiyalur, Ganapati, Avinashi Road, Sukurawarpet, Dr Nanjappa
Road, Thadagam Road, D B Road and near Kuniamuthur.

While
inspecting two such buildings at Avinashi Road, S Sivarasu, deputy
corporation commissioner, said that the civic body would be initiating
action against violators who did not cease work or stick to plans
approved by the civic body despite being served notices.

Pointing
to one particular building, he said that it had received approval for an
area of 10,000 sq ft, but the builders constructed 15,000 sq ft of
space. Sivarasu said in case of buildings occupied by banks, 15 days
have been given to vacate the premises. The rest have to move out within
24 hours.

Rajendran, a builder, whose building on Avinashi Road
was sealed for alleged violations, said that he was unaware of the
corporation’s notices. “It is unfortunate that the corporation has
sealed the building as more than Rs 2 crore were already invested in
construction,” he argued.