JOIN USHigh-rise buildings flout rules
Several high-rise buildings flouting rules have come up in Chikkamagaluru town. However, the district administration, CMC and Chikkamagaluru Urban Development Authority are silent over it. This has made the public to rise their eye brow.
There is permission for constructing only three-storeyed (G plus) buildings in the CMC limits. The State government permission is essential for constructing above three-storey buildings.
“The owners of Mathias Tower in I G Road and Serinity apartment in Kalyana Nagara have obtained permission from the government. The remaining three high-rise building owners have not availed permission. The CMC has issued notices to 12 high-rise building owners,” said CMC President K S Pushparaj.
“The high-rise buildings have flouted rules. Even after confiscating construction materials, they carry out the work during night time. Even if we warn of filing criminal cases, they pressurise us,” he said.
CMC Commissioner Nagabhushan said “the CMC will give permission for only three-storey buildings in its jurisdiction. If the buildings are above three-storey, then NOC from fire service and Urban Development Authority are essential. The high-rise buildings can be constructed only after availing permission from the State government. The CMC has already issued notices to the builders who have flouted the rules. We will take further action based on the reply.”
In fact, Chikkamagaluru Urban Development Authority President B S Shekarappa had issued a notice to the Chikkamagaluru Urban Development Authority Commissioner seeking explanation for failing to check high-rise buildings in the city limits.
In his reply, the Commissioner said “The government has entrusted the power to issue commencement certificate to the CMC. There is a need for constitutional amendment for the authority to look into the issue of commencement certificates. The copy of the reply is available with the Deccan Herald.
The number of buildings violating the rules have increased over the years. According to an estimate, there are over 50 illegal buildings in I G Road, M G Road, Basavanahalli Road, Ratnagiri Road, and K M Road. Shopping malls, hotels, lodges have also flouted the rules.
A CMC member said “the implementing officers issue notices for the violators and keep quiet. As majority of the buildings are owned by influential persons, many do not go to question them.”
The CMC Commissioner said “if we follow the rules strictly, then majority of the buildings in M G Road, I G Road will have to be cleared. It is better to follow rules while constructing a building. Those who have violated rules will have to pay fine in the future.”
A leader said “The state government has not appointed President to Chikkamagalur Development Authority for the last one year. The DC has been entrusted with the additional responsibility. Barring of issuing technical clearance for building license, the Urban Development Authority is not active. It has failed to provide basic facilities keeping in mind the development of the town.”