The Times of India         08.12.2010

CMDA seals 2 under-construction buildings

CHENNAI: Continuing its crackdown against unauthorised buildings in the Chennai Metropolitan Area, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority on Tuesday locked and sealed two under-construction buildings in T Nagar and Nungambakkam.

The owner of the first building on Ramasamy Street near South Usman Road in T Nagar got permission in April 2009 for construction of stilt floor and two floors for residential use. However, he began construction of stilt, two floors and part of third floor for commercial use. Despite being given ample time to correct himself, the builder defied the rules, thus the sealing, sources said.

The second building sealed is on Valluvar Kottam High Road, Nungambakkam. Official sources said many builders get court orders suggesting that their buildings are ordinary buildings (ground + three floors) as per government orders pertaining to Metrowater and Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and don't require CMDA completion certificates for service connections.

The CMDA's development control rules say any residential building with more than ground plus two floors is treated as special buildings and require require completion certificate from CMDA. "Unless service connections are denied, violations of building rules will continue," said a government official.