The Times of India               09.12.2013

Illegal buildings to be razed in central zone

SURAT: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has decided to demolish illegally constructed portions from at least 100 residential and commercial properties in central zone during the first phase of their mega demolition drive that was kicked off on Saturday.

Officials of central zone said that this would be daily drive where properties will be clubbed in groups of 6-8 and razing of illegal constructions will take place at the same time.

SMC officials have identified 53 properties in its latest survey carried out after the last date of impact fee regulation expired on August 19.

"All this 53 properties are such where owners have built illegal portions that are out of turn and not approved according to the plan. More so, owners have tried to include them under impact fee regulation to get it legalized. This will not be tolerated and will be demolished," said Jatin Shah, zonal chief of central zone.

Apart from this, there are properties that have illegal constructions carried out after the cutoff date of 2011 and are in no way eligible for regularization . There are few hundred such properties in main city areas like Sagrampura, Mahidharpura, Gopipura, Rustam pura, Soni Faliya , Delhi gate and others.

"SMC has already issued notices for removal of illegal portions but somehow it has not been done. Those properties will also be taken up in this campaign and illegal portions will be removed," said SK Gohil , executive engineer of the zone .

In majority of residential and commercial properties in this part of the city, illegal construction of fifth floor on approved construction of four storey and illegally covering parking space as commercial premises has been seen. In some cases, some small roads have been encroached upon.

"We know that many of the illegal constructions have taken place in connivance with SMC staff at that particular time and we will not hesitate to take action against them," said an elected councilor from BJP.

Two engineers on duty have already been suspended in this zone and coming days will see more such action against officials who have not followed law.