The Hindu 17.06.2013
Call to make building completion certificate mandatory for assessment, water connection
The Coimbatore Consumer Cause has asked the Coimbatore Corporation to bring back the measure that will make issuance of building completion certificate mandatory for getting properties assessed for tax, and obtaining water supply and underground drainage connection.
If the civic body were to do so, the Corporation would measure the buildings before assessing them for tax.
For buildings with deviations from the approved plan, the Corporation would not assess them for property tax and the builders/ promoters/ owners of the buildings would not be able to get power connection from Tangedco.
This way the Corporation would be able to curb the construction of buildings with deviations and that too right before the buildings were put to use.
The Corporation had made mandatory the completion certificate on May 10, 2011 by an administrative order.
The then Corporation Council on June 13, 2011 overturned the administrative order citing that the move would lead to loss of revenue.
The consumer body's Secretary K. Kathirmathiyon had said that it was imperative that the Corporation prioritised public safety and prevention of unauthorised construction to inflow of revenue.
Fire accident
The recent death of four women in a fire accident at an unauthorised building was a case in point.
Given the circumstances, the aforementioned measures and the recent death of four women, the Corporation should reintroduce the measure, Mr. Kathirmathiyon had demanded.
