Layout relaxation welcomed, govt delay questioned

Former chairman of CREDAI’s southern chapter T Chitti Babu, who subtly questioned the delay caused by the government said; “For six months the government did not find any solution. Tuesday’s submission would not be a permanent solution. Flooding happened last year only because of such unapproved layouts, which did not have the stipulated 10% OSR and 5% utility space. As a developer and law abiding citizen, I would expect the government to do what should be done on unapproved layouts. The court order should not be misinterpreted. We will know the government’s intent only when it comes out with a new legislation, which should be a stringent one that prevents conversion of agricultural land in to unapproved layouts.” 

Chennai based builder E Selvaraj said the government should come out with a uniform rule for all local bodies. “Only now approval given by panchayats has been stopped. If you had noticed in Velachery and surroundings, several areas would not have proper infrastructure. They were approved before they were merged with the corporation. Later, when people demand amenities like drainage and water facilities there, it would be difficult because the road width would be less than the 22 feet stipulated for corporations.”

Selvaraj added, “Even if a few individual owners are willing to compromise and forgo their land, not all would come forward. So, it would be wise to create uniformity among local bodies when the government brings a permanent legislation.”