The reports submitted by three inspection teams constituted on the directions of UT Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shayin for inspection of commercial sites in Chandigarh have pointed out glaring lapses in the building bylaws.
The teams had inspected more than 20 commercial buildings for violations on Saturday. In its report, the teams stumbled upon glaring lapses on the part of employees of Estate Office’s (EO) Building Branch, leading to large scale violations of building bylaws in the city.
The teams headed by the Assistant Estate officer, and two SDMs had found violations in more than 20 commercial buildings which also included Elante Mall. An official said, “Corridors in the Elante mall were being misused, construction has not been done according to the actual plan. The space meant for surface parking has been used for other purposes.”
The official said, “Similarly, the building bylaw violations were found in other commercial buildings inspected. The reports submitted by the teams are being looked into and we would calculate the compoundable fee for violations. A stern action will be taken against violators.”
Meanwhile, the Traders’ Association has criticised the stern action of UT Estate office. A meeting of Traders Association Sector 17 Chandigarh was held on Monday to take stock of situation arising out of sealing of commercial establishments for alleged building violations.
The members of traders association said that the Estate Office had sealed few shops in various parts of Chandigarh on April 23 without serving any notice, nature of violation and without showing any sealing notice from Administration and many of them are still to be unsealed. There is great resentment and panic amongst business community as their livelihood is at stake and there is no certainty of their business to remain open.
The members raised their concern and pointed out sealing is no remedy to remove violations and suggested that there is need to inform nature of violation to the occupant. In case of compoundable, the occupant be informed of the amount payable within specific time. Sealing should not be done as this is no solution as it, demanded the association.
Association’s president Kamaljit Singh Panchhi urged the Administration that building bylaws advisory committee be formed with involvement of Traders, industrialists, RWA and other associations on the pattern of VAT Committee to discuss and sort out such issues which will be helpful to traders as well as Administration.