MINUTES OF THE 50TH MEETING OF THE MONITORING COMMITTEE HELD ON 19.11.2014 AT 4.00 P.M.IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE HALL OF CMDA

What the minutes cover

The minutes of the 50th meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority address widespread building deviations and the difficulty faced by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, the Corporation of Chennai and other local bodies in taking effective enforcement action. Problems identified include additional floors, use of stilt parking areas for other purposes, changes to higher order building uses, and violations of setbacks and other approved parameters.

The Monitoring Committee noted that unauthorised development can affect public safety and comfort, increase congestion, harm the environment and place pressure on infrastructure.

Who may be affected

The Monitoring Committee discussions are relevant to owners, buyers and occupants of buildings in the Chennai Metropolitan Area, particularly properties that differ from approved plans or lack required completion documentation. Architects, engineers and licensed surveyors may also be affected because the committee suggested involving these professionals in ensuring that projects follow approved plans and in alerting authorities to deviations.

Service agencies and regulatory bodies are also relevant because the committee viewed denial of service connections as one possible part of enforcement, alongside locking, sealing and demolition.

Key decisions and proposals

The Monitoring Committee recorded the following points:

• A subcommittee would be formed from Monitoring Committee members and professionals to suggest regulations for preventing violations in ordinary buildings.
• Ways to address existing unauthorised buildings should be considered, including the possible feasibility of redevelopment schemes in old city areas and action against major unauthorised buildings.
• Enforcement against buildings completed after 1 July 2007 should be pursued vigorously until the identified legal issues are addressed.
• A draft report should be prepared for submission to the High Court. It should cover developments affecting implementation of the High Court order dated 23 August 2006, earlier Monitoring Committee initiatives, survey findings, enforcement results and the committee's role in completion certificate procedures and planning matters.
• The draft report should be placed before the next Monitoring Committee meeting for discussion and finalisation.

L.B. Road survey follow-up

For the survey of multi-storeyed buildings on L.B. Road in the Adyar and Thiruvanmiyur area, the Monitoring Committee directed that the report be updated with follow-up action, including notices and locking and sealing of buildings. The updated report was to be placed before the next Monitoring Committee meeting.