Check unauthorised constructions and take action, ULBs told

CHENNAI: Following complaints of unauthorised constructions in the urban local bodies across the State, the directorate of municipal administration has directed commissioners of such local bodies to ensure strict action against unauthorised buildings and initiate criminal action.

In an internal circular, P Ponniah, Director of Municipal Administration, has pointed out a government communication that raised alarm over the unauthorised constructions in urban local bodies.

"Complaints from public and social activists are being received pertaining to providing approval to the residential and commercial buildings without following the rules. The government also instructed the local bodies to follow Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019 while giving planning permissions, " the circular said.

The circular also listed out some of the instructions that should be followed by urban local bodies. Ponniah directed the commissioners to ensure proper field inspections at the construction sites by town planning officials to confirm whether construction is carried out after availing planning permission.

"Once the planning approvals are issued, officials should inspect the sites to verify whether the construction works are carried out as per the planning permission. If any construction found to be violating the planning permission, such construction should be stopped immediately, " it added.

As per the instruction, the officials of the local bodies should revoke the planning permission if any building is being constructed with false documents and contravening the approvals. Also, enforcement actions and criminal action should be initiated against the violated constructions.

It may be noted that the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019 came into effect in February 2019 after which uniform rules are being followed across the state.

Meanwhile, the civic body has already initiated measures against building violations as local engineers have been instructed to inspect construction sites at the initial stages.

During the inspections, the civic body identified 2,665 buildings with planning permission violations and lock and seal notices were issued to 2,403 buildings.