Circular on Action to Be Taken Against Unauthorized Warehouse Godown Buildings

What the circular governs

The circular issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Town and Country Planning, Chennai-2, concerns warehouse and godown buildings developed without proper planning permission from the Town and Country Planning Department. It directs planning offices to identify such buildings and begin enforcement action under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1971.

The circular specifically refers to the inordinate development of warehouse and godown buildings in and around Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur districts, as well as in other areas.

Why the direction was issued

The Office of the Commissioner of Town and Country Planning states that very few unauthorized warehouse and godown buildings had been identified in the Chengalpattu region and areas handled by other subordinate offices. Although notices had been issued under Sections 56 and 57 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, further enforcement action was not being taken.

The circular links this lack of follow-up action to:

• Haphazard growth of construction.
• Loss of revenue to the Government.
• Continued development of warehouses and godowns without proper planning permission.

Directions to planning authorities

The circular requires all subordinate offices to:

• Identify every unauthorized warehouse and godown building within their respective areas.
• Initiate action under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1971.
• Follow due process before locking and sealing the buildings.
• Comply strictly with the instructions in the circular.
• Acknowledge receipt of the circular by return post.

The recipients include all Regional Deputy Directors, Member Secretaries, Local Planning Authorities and New Town Development Authorities. Copies were also sent to Assistant Directors, Planning Assistants and headquarters supervisors.

Who may be affected

Owners and occupiers of warehouse or godown buildings developed without proper planning permission may face enforcement action, including locking and sealing after due process. The circular does not identify individual properties, but requires planning offices to locate unauthorized buildings throughout their respective jurisdictions.

Officers and staff are also directly affected. The circular warns that severe disciplinary action will be taken against the responsible officers and staff if deviations from its instructions are noticed.