Coimbatore Corporation on Demolition Drive

Demolition aims to bring about culture of compliance with rules.
Of the 573 buildings, two have been taken up so far.
Absence of any open resistance is being attributed to lack of political interference Efforts by traders to meet persons at the highest level of the Govt. have failed

COIMBATORE: The administration here has made it clear that the ongoing demolition of unauthorised structures will not be halted. Wilful violations cannot be spared from action while an opportunity can still be provided to those who are willing to demolish their structures. The drive aims to bring about a culture of compliance with rules.
Absence of any open resistance so far to the drive by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) is being attributed to the lack of political interference. Efforts by traders or building owners to meet persons at the highest level of the Government too have failed.
Business circles: It is learnt that a team tried to meet Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in Chennai on Monday to request for some respite but could not meet them. Sources even among the business circles here say that such efforts are not being entertained. This, by itself, is said to be providing tremendous support to the drive. Traders and owners of lodges, however, managed to meet Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning Parithi Ilamvazhuthi and submit a petition that calls for the regularisation of buildings on which Property Tax is being collected.
The petitions says 75 per cent of the buildings in the city will have to be demolished if that is the only solution to correct building rule violations.
Out of the 573 buildings targeted, two have been taken up so far. And, there are reports of only behind the scenes effort at moving the Government.
The sources say that the action has been initiated in view of a public interest litigation filed in the High Court by the Coimbatore Consumer Cause. The consumer body's petition, however, only seeks measures to prevent violations in the future. But, the sources say that action has been initiated now on the existing structures also in view of the case coming up for hearing.
Self-drive movement: District Collector Neeraj Mittal, who is also Chairman of the LPA, says that the entire exercise is aimed at bring about a self-drive movement against unauthorised structures. He suggests a culture of playing by the rule so that demolition need not be resorted. The ongoing demolition is to show that the administration is very serious about ensuring compliance.
The officials do not derive any pleasure from demolition. "We only want rules to be adhered to. The front, back and side setback space should be provided as per rule. Rules provide for ensuring parking space, fire safety standards and structural stability. Action has to be taken if these are wilfully violated," says the Collector.
Emergencies: The side space setback (space between two buildings) is important. There must be enough space for rescue measures during emergencies (such as fire), he points out.
The administration can take a sympathetic view of those who had applied for approval of structures but a long drawn process had forced them to go ahead with the construction as per rule. But, no leniency can be shown to those who indulge in violations deliberately. They cannot claim ignorance of rules. Engineers and architects know all rules governing parking space, proper ventilation and fire safety, he says.
Source:The Hindu
More:Coimbatore Local Planning Authority (LPA) starts to removing unauthorised structures of the commercial buildings in Cross-Cut Road Area from last week.

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