The Chennai Corporation, with the help of the Police and other departments, pulled down buildings that were built on an encroached piece of land — meant for a children’s play area — in Kottivakkam and reclaimed the land.
The encroachment came to light when Kottivakkam Vaidehi Nagar Residents’ Association took up the matter with the authorities to remove encroachments in 2011. According to the association, A. Sonnie George, a real estate promoter, obtained approvals in 1968 for a layout measuring 3.48 acres of land from the Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Chengalpattu. A portion of the land was reserved for a children’s play area.
This reservation was not disclosed to the purchasers who were supplied with a photocopy of the layout, which did not show the play area.
The plot reserved for the play area had been retained by him and he had converted the plots reserved for public purpose illegally.
He had put up unauthorised constructions without any planning permission on the said plots and granted lease in favour of a food processing unit.
The Madras High Court directed the authorities of the Chennai Corporation to remove the encroachment.
R. Mohanavadivelu, Assistant Executive Engineer of Chennai Corporation, said, “Although the occupier appealed in higher courts, we opposed it legally and paved the way for demolition. Within 48 hours, we demolished the buildings in the encroached space and levelled the place. Very soon, it will be used for the intended purpose. Property of the government worth nearly ₹15 crore was recovered. This is a rare occurrence.”
