Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Sep 6: The city municipal council members expressed strong displeasure over buildings constructed illegally in violation of regulations, leading the council administration to decide on demolishing such unauthorized structures.
During a general meeting held on Friday, September 6 under the chairmanship of city council president Prabhakar Poojary, there was extensive discussion about the illegal buildings constructed within the city. Members criticized officials for permitting illegal constructions during the absence of elected representatives, without proper checks or appropriate actions. They demanded disciplinary action against the responsible officers. Council member T G Hegde brought up the issue of a private builder constructing a building behind Kidiuru Hotel, stating that they had received permission by falsely covering the western road.
He pointed out that the old revenue records show a road, which was blocked by the illegal construction, causing inconvenience to several homes. He also claimed that those responsible had been given a door number for the illegal building, violating road connection regulations. Despite complaints and inspections by the commissioner and engineers, no action had been taken. Hegde further mentioned that a building in front of a mosque, which had previously been demolished, was reconstructed illegally, encroaching on the setback and parking areas, with the hotel business being restarted without authorization, allegedly with the help of officials.
Council member Srikrishna Rao Kodanch accused officials of supporting the illegal construction of a community hall for commercial purposes in Chitpadi Ward on land converted for residential purposes, violating the regulations of the stormwater drain.
Responding to the allegations, commissioner Rayappa said notices had been issued regarding the buildings in Shiribidu and Chitpadi wards. He assured that the door number for the building behind Kidiuru Hotel would be revoked, and appropriate action would be taken to demolish the buildings in front of the mosque and in Chitpadi.
In a joint announcement, MLA Yashpal Suvarna and president Prabhakar Poojary declared a reduction in water and tax rates as a sweet gesture for the citizens ahead of the Gauri Ganesha festival.
MLA Yashpal Suvarna instructed that actions be taken within a week to demolish the illegal buildings, as decided by the city council. He emphasized that officials do not have the authority to amend or overturn these decisions. He expressed dissatisfaction with the officials, stating that during the absence of elected representatives, different standards had been applied for the wealthy and the common people, leading to unfairness.