Check unauthorised constructions along ECR: Madras HC to corporation and CMDA

Chennai: The Corporation of Chennai (CoC) and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) have been turning a blind eye to the unauthorised constructions being carried out along the ECR up to Mahabalipuram. When a batch of writ petitions came up for hearing, the court appointed amicuscuriae informed this to the division bench of the Madras high court comprising Justices M Sathyanarayanan and G. K. Ilanthiraiyan.

On April 9 last, the bench directed the corporation and CMDA to carry out a survey as to the existence of unauthorised/deviated, constructions, especially bungalows, resorts, guest houses, palatial houses and farm houses on ECR from Neelankarai to Mahabalipuram. The bench directed the agencies to conduct survey from Neelankarai to Uthandi in the first phase and to file a status report.

The amicus T. Mohan said that if the exercise had been done, it would have definitely come to the knowledge of existence of many unauthorised superstructures used for commercial and other purposes. Still many unauthorised constructions are going on and CoC and CMDA have turned a blind eye to rampant irregularities.

Later, the bench said no construction activity shall go on without getting planning permission and necessary approvals and clearances and therefore, it is obligatory on the part of the Corporations and CMDA to carry out the exercise to find out as to whether any unauthorised constructions or activities are going on the ECR from Neelangarai to Mahabalipuram and at the first instance from Neelankarai to Uthandi. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on July 27.