Indian Express 02.06.2010
Charitable hospital in basement, civic body says no rule flouted
Raakhi Jagga Tags : charitable hospital Posted: Wed Jun 02 2010, 04:21 hrs 
Without getting the approval for the building plan from the Municipal Corporation, the Shree Durga Mata Mandir Trust Jagraon is all set to start its air-conditioned charitable hospital in the Durga Mata Mandir near Jagraon Bridge from Wednesday.
The hospital will function from the 6,000 square-feet basement in the temple premises and provide OPD services in dental, eyes and pathology. Interestingly, the hospital does not have any parking facility. Local Bodies minister Manoranjan Kalia is expected to inaugurate the hospital on Wednesday.
Municipal Town Planner Hemant Batra, however, termed the construction as valid. “The basement has been there for many years. Only the usage has been changed now.”
Batra said he had not approved of any construction plan inside the basement and hence cannot comment whether it was against the rules or not.
Sources, however, confirmed that the basement was meant for parking and any building below 10 feet of the road is against the norms. Moreover, the temple is situated on a busy road. With a new hospital in its vicinity, it would add to the rush on the already congested road.
P L Singla, convener of the Shree Durga Mata Mandir Hospital, said this will not increase the congestion on the road. “The OPD service will be over by 2 pm. We are providing health care at affordable rates. It is a service to the society.” He maintained that due permission was taken from the corporation.
Earlier, the MC had categorically stated that basements were meant for parking only.
Local Bodies minister Manoranjan Kalia, however, said, “The temple will provide OPD services in the existing basement which has been converted into a charitable dispensary.” When pointed out that others go in for similar changes, he said, “I will check with the Buildings department.”
Meanwhile, MC Commissioner A K Sinha said he was not yet aware of the rules and will get it checked. Interestingly, the MC authorities did not ask the temple management to get their plan approved and the entire machinery will be open to the public tomorrow.
