T’puram: The city corporation has launched a major crackdown on unauthorised constructions and establishments operating without mandatory licences, with mayor V V Rajesh personally leading an inspection drive across the city.The civic body has warned that strict action will be taken against those violating building regulations, irrespective of their influence or political connections. Stop memos have already been issued to several establishments, while the corporation has initiated further proceedings against those who continued construction despite earlier warnings.A team comprising corporation officials, police personnel and elected representatives inspected various locations on Tuesday including the unauthorised evening wayside eateries near Govt Cotton Hill school and M G College at Paruthipara following complaints of unauthorised construction.The inspections also covered buildings where additional floors or other structures were allegedly constructed without the required permissions or in violation of approved building plans.Rajesh said the corporation had repeatedly warned people against carrying out illegal construction, but several continued to violate the rules. He said some were operating almost like “mafias”, carrying out construction without regard to regulations.“From Monday, the corporation has started taking strict action. We will not allow unauthorised construction within the city limits. It does not matter how influential a person is; if anyone is found carrying out such construction, strict action will be taken,” the mayor said.He said the corporation would also intensify inspections during the Onam holidays. “Action will continue against officials who are found to have failed in their duties,” he added.The corporation has also turned its attention to roadside eateries and restaurants operating without valid licences. Several wayside eateries have come up along Vazhuthacaud and Kowdiar-Kuravankonam Road. A restaurant that was scheduled to open on Monday was stopped from operating after it was found that the establishment had not obtained the required licence from the corporation.Officials said many such eateries were being operated by hotels and caterers, which cannot use the exemption meant for individuals running small food stalls for their livelihood. The corporation is examining such establishments to determine whether they comply with licensing and other statutory requirements.The civic body has now moved beyond merely issuing stop memos in cases where violations continued. Provisional orders are being issued as the next stage of proceedings, with officials preparing to initiate demolition proceedings where necessary.Rajesh urged those who had carried out unauthorised construction to dismantle the structures themselves.The town planning department will coordinate further inspections, with building inspectors and engineers verifying permits, approved plans and the nature of alleged violations. The corporation said enforcement would be extended to other parts of the city based on complaints and field-level inspections.Officials said unauthorised construction in densely populated areas could also aggravate traffic congestion and worsen flooding-related problems by reducing available space and altering drainage patterns.
