Water, power connections to unauthorised structures to be cut

Sub:Unauthorised structure Cap:An unauthorised structure being removed by municipal officials at Kandhal near Ooty on Tuesday. Photo:M_Sathyamoorthy

The Udhagamandalam Municipality has initiated steps to disconnect water and power supply to unauthorised structures, according to the Municipal Commissioner, L.S. Girija.

She told The Hindu that the action was in keeping with a recent order of the Madras High Court.

She said that among the buildings put up till 2007, 1337 had been found to be unauthorised. Action had been taken against a number of buildings. Some had filed review petitions. Around 600 to 700 have been lined up for demolition.

The court has asked the municipality to disconnect water and power supply and file a compliance report on April 29. The assistance of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board has been sought.

Building plans which do not conform to the rules are not being approved, Ms. Girija said adding that even in approved plans deviation in any form is being viewed as illegal.

Action was being taken against unauthorised structures with the help of the police.

Referring to the removal of a theme park which was coming up at Kandhal near here on Tuesday, she said that it was unauthorised and was being put up despite repeated warnings. She added that action had also been taken against the promoter of an animal show at Valley View.