The Nilgiri Documentation Centre (NDC) has urged the Chief Minister for a second moratorium to save The Nilgiris. There is an uncontrolled construction of commercial establishments and houses in the district.
In a representation to the Chief Minister, Honorary Director of NDC, Dharmalingam Venugopal recalled that the Chief Minister in her first tenure declared a moratorium on all constructions - followed by the first Master Plan for the district.
“These measures saved The Nilgiris from an impending town planning crisis,” he said. But that was two decades ago and the Nilgiris faced a similar crisis and there was no proper Master Plan to handle the changes in the district since then. “The Master Plan and Hill Area Conservation Authority are unable to meet demand for construction and deter unauthorised construction activities,” he said.
Most of the lands on the road margins in urban and rural areas have already been bought by real estate promoters. Construction will follow along the stretches and spread to higher slopes. Demand for resorts and home stays and other lodgings will lead to more roads into the interior and steeper areas. It will pose a serious threat to slope stability, cause soil erosion and affect the beauty of the hill station.
Mr. Venugopal said the future demands should be assessed and there should be policies and regulations to address the genuine need for construction by locals and outsiders.
There is an uncontrolled construction of commercial establishments and houses in the
district: NDC
