COIMBATORE: Maintaining the momentum of its crackdown, the Nilgiris district administration sealed 12 unauthorised buildings in just over the last two days.
In the wake of Madras High Court directions to curb building violations, a team comprising District Revenue Officer (DRO) M Narayanan, District Tourism Officer D Uma Shankar, Ooty Municipality Commissioner M Ganeshan and officials of the Town Planning Department conducted inspections in various locations.
Seven illegally constructed buildings were sealed in the Arani House area, and one unauthorised cottage was sealed in the Ettines Road-SN Park area. Four more buildings under construction in violation of norms were also sealed in RK Puram, Governor Shola Road and Vandicholai areas.
In total, 12 buildings in and around Ooty have been sealed in the last two days. A few days ago, three residential buildings, which were converted into a home stay for commercial purposes, were sealed by the municipality authorities.
Stringent norms prohibit constructions on farmland, restrict commercial establishments such as lodges and hotels in residential areas, and disallow buildings on steep hill slopes. Structures approved for residential use are not permitted to be converted into commercial establishments. In addition, buildings must not exceed a height of seven metres and are required to strictly adhere to the approved building plan.
Officials said that the drive against unauthorised constructions will continue in the coming days, also to ensure compliance with hill area construction regulations.