T’puram: In a significant enforcement drive amid the ongoing election period, Varkala municipality on Saturday intensified action against widespread unauthorized constructions along the ecologically sensitive North Cliff stretch, from Varkala Cliff to Aliyirakkam. Civic authorities say multiple resorts, homestays and private operators have been found violating Kerala Municipality Building Rules (KMBR), 2019, often exploiting reduced oversight during elections.As part of the crackdown, municipality recently issued a stop memo against an illegal structure in Al Ameen Nagar. According to the notice issued by assistant engineer, the construction allegedly carried out by a resident identified as Adinan, was undertaken without mandatory permits. The violations included a room measuring 4.50m × 4.60m × 3.10m, two sets of steps, and a newly constructed wall, with roof concrete already completed using solid blocks, indicating advanced progress. Officials said similar patterns of violations have been detected across the belt, where tourism-driven development has surged in recent years. “Several resorts and homestays have either extended existing structures or initiated new constructions without approved plans. In many cases, additional floors, stairways and retaining walls have been built flouting norms,” a senior municipal official said. The municipality has directed violators to immediately halt construction and produce valid permits within three days, failing which stringent action, including demolition and legal proceedings, will be initiated. Inspection squads have been deployed across wards to identify and document violations. Authorities noted that the election period often sees a spike in illegal construction activities. “Some builders attempt to take advantage of the administrative focus shifting towards election duties. We are closely monitoring such activities and will not allow any misuse of the situation,” the official added. Environmentalists have expressed alarm over the unchecked construction along the fragile coastal stretch. “North Cliff region is highly sensitive, and unregulated construction can lead to soil erosion, drainage issues and increased disaster risk. Authorities must act decisively to protect the coastline,” said environmentalist Sanjeev S J. Locals have also raised concerns about overcrowding and safety hazards posed by unauthorized buildings.
