FSI violation by 35 buildings at T. Nagar

A recent survey of 35 multistoried buildings on Usman Road and Ranganthan Street, T.Nagar, conducted by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), shows that all the buildings have violated the FSI (Floor Space Index) and car parking norms. The width of Ranganathan Street is about 10 metres and multistoried buildings are not permitted on this road. However, 14 of them have been built in the last few years and are functioning. A close scrutiny of the CMDA survey shows that the percentage of violation far exceeds 600 in certain cases. The Yograthirnam building, door numbers 128 and 129 on Usman Road, has a FSI of 8.99, while what is permitted is only 1.5. FSI is the total built-up area divided by the plot extent. The building must have a mandatory parking space for 266 cars within its site. But space for parking only one car is provided. The new GRT building on 50 North Usman Road got sanction for only five floors, including the basement, but eventually 11 floors, including the basement, were built, violating FSI and car parking norms. In the case of the Sekar building, old numbers 84 and 85 Usman Road, the total built-up area is 7,089 sq.m with an FSI of 8.42. However, what is permitted is only 1,263.51 sq.m or 1.5 FSI. The Jayachandran building, door number 34/1 Ranganathan Street, Nalli Trust building, new number 100, Usman Road, has also violated FSI and car parking norms. Most of the 35 multistoried buildings have not provided the mandatory side open space. A CMDA source told The Hindu that most of the owners of these buildings when they apply submit a drawing that complies with all rules. They get planning and building permission. But when they start construction, they deviate from the approved plan. The function of the enforcement cell of CMDA is to inspect and stop such unauthorised construction. However, the CMDA, in a note submitted on its enforcement cell, has stated that it is understaffed and is not in a position to monitor building activities effectively. There is an overlap of enforcement functions between the Chennai Corporation and the CMDA. The CMDA has recommended that the Corporation entirely take over enforcement responsibility. There are also instances of negligence and corruption. Recently, two Corporation officials were suspended for failing to take action against unauthorised construction in the T. Nagar zone. As in the case of Yogarathirnam building on Usman Road, stop work orders were issued (EC2/4749/05 dated 30.7.05) and a fine of Rs.11,82,900 was imposed. However, in many cases, even after receiving the stop work notice, construction continued. A few violators received demolition notices. Thirty days’ time is given to the owners to restore the buildings to the approved plan. Invariably, many ignore the notice or apply for permission to retain the building. CMDA officials say the Town and Country Planning Act prevents enforcement action on buildings whose applications are under consideration or appeal. A few have taken the legal route and obtained a stay against the demolition orders. In the meanwhile, construction continues and the building is completed. While these buildings may get regularised through a government order, there is no system in place to ensure that such violations will not occur in future.