After sitting on its decision to act against the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) violation of Hotel Raviz, Kollam, for nine months, the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA) has decided to give notices for demolishing the parts of the hotel complex that were constructed illegally.
The 5-star deluxe luxury hotel is promoted by billionaire Ravi Pillai.
The Authority would ask the District Collector concerned to raze the buildings that were constructed in violation of the Act. The Authority had concluded that the some portions of the hotel were constructed on the “No Development Zone of CRZ III category where construction of hotel buildings is not permissible.”
The Authority had in April decided to take action against the proponents and the secretary of the Thrikadavoor Panchayat for violation of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and Environmental Protection Rules 1986.
‘Failed to act’
At the same time, a member of the Authority pointed out that it had failed to act in the case despite the repeated assurances. Any construction that have come up in violation of the CRZ rules will have to be demolished as stipulated in the Rules and Act. The Authority can issue the order to the District Collector concerned to execute the decision, he said.
Incidentally, a three-member sub-committee of the Authority had concluded that the construction of the hotel, built on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake, involved violation of provisions of CRZ notification.
The panel, which went through the chronological Google images of the Hotel Raviz during 2003, 2009, 2011 and 2014, confirmed the “large scale development of Hotel from small existing buildings in 2003 and development of large swimming pool and other facilities on its premises.”
The “construction/reconstruction of buildings are made by violating provisions of CRZ notification1991 and 2011 which was also confirmed in the Google images,” it said.
The development of hotel by reconstructing the existing building involves CRZ violations as there was marked changes of FSI/FAR and increase in plinth area. Further, CRZ violations were made by additional facilities like swimming pools, it said.
Responding to the developments, George Varghese, Member Secretary, KCZMA, said instructions were issued for giving notices to the proponents of the hotel.
The Authority had also sought legal opinion on the follow-up action, which it has not received in writing. Notices would be sent to the hotel and those concerned after receiving the legal opinion, said Mr. Varghese.
The 5-star deluxe luxury hotel is promoted by billionaire Ravi Pillai.
