CMDA mulls taking private help to regularise illegal buildings

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) had launched an amnesty scheme to regularise unapproved buildings constructed before July 1, 2007, and had directed defaulters to register online by December 2017. However, in the absence of expected response, the CMDA extended the deadline further, which, however, failed to serve any purpose. On the other hand, the agency failed to process even the 150 applications that had come in, leading to criticisms. 

“Sensing the present scenario, we are mulling over engaging private parties, like builders and engineers, to clear the backlogs and regularise the buildings. We have been receiving complains, as pending applications are hampering the real estate sector,” said an official, seeking anonymity. While builders raised questions over the delay, CMDA officials remained tight-lipped without processing the applications. 

S Ramaprabhu, secretary of the southern centre of the Builders Association of India, said, “Merely extending the deadline for regularising buildings will not serve the purpose. If the CMDA finds it difficult to process the applications, outsourcing some private consultants will be better.” 

N Govindasamy, president of Tamil Nadu Construction Engineers and Contractors Association said, “At a time when the construction industry is likely to emerge from recession, CMDA should accelerate the process to regularise buildings and plots by outsourcing works.”