The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday sought a status report on removal of buildings constructed in violation of norms from the Executive Officer, Tiruchendur special grade town panchayat, by February 13.
A division bench of Justices M. Satyanarayanan and R. Hemalatha, while hearing a petition for removal of commercial, residential and other buildings constructed in violation of town and country planning and Coastal Zone Management regulations, posted the case for further hearing.
The petitioner, J. Senthil Rajesh of Thiruchendur said a Government Order was issued in 1997 stipulating that no construction above nine metres in height should be allowed within a kilometre radius from the compound wall of temples in heritage towns like Thiruchendur. But violations have mushroomed around the town and after
a complaint was lodged with the district authorities under the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, as many as 73 notices were issued. However, 47 of the those who received the notices went on appeal and the objections were set aside without even ascertaining the violations. The petitioner said whether private as well as government buildings were built in accordance with norms should be verified. It was the duty of the authorities to protect the heritage of the temple town, he said.
