The housing and urban development department has directed the owners of 216 flats of LIC Jeevan Bhima Nagar apartment complex in Anna Nagar, to whom Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) issued lock, seal and demolition notices last year, to restore the CMDA-sanctioned plan.
The violation of building norms at the complex became known after a litigation by LIC in 2011. While approval was for a group development comprising 944 dwelling units spread over 59 blocks in 1994, deviations proliferated in 28 blocks, with constuctions added illegally.
LIC’s petition in the Madras high court was disposed in April 2018, with CMDA and Greater Chennai Corporation ordered to act against the irregularities. Since no action was taken a contempt petition was filed against CMDA, in 2019.
After a CMDA inspection in 2021 found 216 dwelling units in 28 blocks with deviations, lock, seal and demolition notices were issued in November 2021. Subsequently, de-occupation notices were issued.
However, 180 residents filed petitions with the government under section 80 A of the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act. P Sundar and other flat owners filed objective petitions saying the unlawful extensions were made on the undivided share of land.
Subsequently, 130 writ petitions were filed in the Madras high court to stay the deoccupation and an order passed for speedy disposal.
In June 2022, housing and urban development department principal secretary Hitesh Makwana conducted an inquiry with all stakeholders including the city corporation and the CMDA.
An October 13, 2022, letter by the department said the petitioners constructed additional structures in gross violation of the approval granted. “Construction of additional structures to improve structural stability does not preclude the petitioners from obtaining prior planning permission for those structures,” it said.
The government directed the corporation to approve the demolition plan for the unauthorized portions within 30 days of the date of application.
The CMDA was directed to closely monitor the removal of unapproved structures. If the building is not restored as per the approved plan, the authority shall lock and seal the unauthorised portions.
The government has also asked the CMDA to examine the represenation by LIC for withdrawal of notices for flats owned by them and dispose the same on merits. “We will proceed as per the orders of the government,” said Anshul Mishra, member secretary, CMDA.