JOIN USComplex at Galaxy site raises violation dust
The theatre, brought down in 2007, is now turning into a huge commercial complex and the construction activity has turned out to be a nightmare for the residents.
The complaint lodged by 14 residents states that diesel generators are being used unauthorisedly without obtaining ‘no objection certificate’ from the nearby residents as prescribed under law.
The complaint also alleges grave violations of building byelaws and illegal expansion of basement area beyond the sanctioned building line, as approved by the Palike.
The project, being executed by the Dynasty Developers Private Limited, began in 2007 and continued till 2010 without obtaining a commencement certificate from the Palike. The construction, however, has been ‘regularised’ with the Palike’s policy of legalising illegal structures by imposing penalty on the developers.
A letter from the office of the Joint Director, Town Planning (JDTP), following notices by the Lokayukta earlier this year, states that a fine of Rs 4.10 lakh has been imposed at the time of issuing a revised plan and another Rs 4.40 lakh fine has been imposed for the construction of building without obtaining commencement certificate.
Further, the JDTP office has claimed that the total sum payable to the BBMP for violations and one per cent for Labour Welfare Fund works out to Rs 15.54 lakh till March 2011.
This apart, another 10 per cent fine was imposed for not allotting space for a park or playground, amounting to Rs 2.88 lakh.
However, with the regularisation of the basement expansion, the developers can now construct a car parking facility for 189 vehicles, from the earlier sanctioned plan for 130 vehicles.
The question is whether such cases of regularising violations through fines would continue or the civic agencies would curb such practices by adopting stringent measures.