THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Thiruvananthapuram city corporation has initiated a crackdown on unauthorised constructions and establishments including restaurants and wayside eateries operating without a valid license in the city, with Mayor V V Rajesh personally leading an inspection drive.A team comprising corporation officials, police and elected representatives inspected several buildings and commercial establishments following complaints about illegal constructions.Stop memos were issued to establishments found to be carrying out construction without the required permissions or in violation of approved building plans.The inspection was part of the civic body’s efforts to strengthen enforcement against unauthorised construction, which officials said could worsen traffic congestion and flooding-related problems in densely built-up areas.Many wayside eateries are operating at Vazhuthacaud and Kowdiar-Kuravankonam Road.A restaurant which was planned to open on Monday was shut down as they failed to secure a license from the civic body. Many of the wayside eateries are run by hotel owners and caterers which are not permitted. However, the people who run eateries for their livelihood can operate without a license.During the inspection, the mayor also issued stop memos directly to buildings where additional floors had allegedly been constructed without the necessary approvals.In some cases, the corporation had already issued stop memos, but construction was reportedly continuing. The civic body has now initiated the next stage of proceedings by issuing provisional orders against such establishments.Rajesh said the corporation would not permit even an inch of unauthorised construction within the city limits and warned that strict action would be taken against those violating building regulations.The corporation plans to intensify inspections in other areas as well. Officials said dedicated teams, including engineers and building inspectors, would visit locations where complaints are received and initiate action after verifying the permits and approved plans.The corporation’s Town Planning Department is responsible for preventing encroachments and unauthorised constructions. Its field-level enforcement mechanism includes building inspectors who conduct inspections and report violations to assistant town planning officers.The Kerala Municipal Building Rules provide the statutory framework for building permits and action against unauthorised constructions. The state Local Self Government Department specifically lists “action against unauthorized constructions” as one of the areas covered by the building rules.
