SUDA to get tough with erring builders

SURAT, May 21: Surat Urban Development Authority Chairman S Jagadeesan in a tough stand has decided to clamp down on illegal constructions within the limits of the urban development authority. With the SMC already training its guns on illegal structures and builders violating norms, Surat Urban Development Authority’s decision will add more force to the crackdown on such structures.

According to Surat Urban Development Authority officials, a number of establishments and constructions have already been identified, which have either flouted development norms or have constructed buildings and sheds without Surat Urban Development Authority’s permission. Officials have also been instructed to carry out a detailed survey of such buildings. The authority will file police complaints and initiate legal proceedings against those involved in large-scale encroachments and illegal constructions.In an appeal to citizens, Surat Urban Development Authority officials have asked residents to inform the body of any such structure or organisers who have flouted development norms. The identity of informers will be safeguarded, officials have assured in a statement, asking those having any such information to contact the office.

It may be noted that with city limits expanding, architects and builders have started constructing buildings on the outskirts of the city.

One such area which is developing at a fast pace is the Puna-Kumbharia area, where illegal structures at block no 524 to 526 in Puna village were razed by Surat Urban Development Authority demolition workers recently. Most of these included compounds that had been constructed upon encroached land, officials said.