Daijiworld News Network- Mangalore (AF)

Mangalore, Apr 21: Illegal constructions in Mangalore and Udupi are about to get a severe jolt as Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) and Udupi Urban Development Authority (UUDA), separately, decided to crack the whip on them. MCC Commissioner P Chandrappa, at a KDP meeting has promised district in-charge minister B Nagaraj Shetty that illegal petty shops and other structures will be cleared by the first week of May and assured that plan of action in this regard has been already prepared. Shetty asked the Commissioner to clear the illegal structures in Hampankatta and market area and make alternative arrangements, failing which, he warned, the Commissioner would be held responsible.

Nagaraj Shetty further enquired if the MCC had found a source to collect Rs 10 crore with regard to the 25 per cent of Rs 40 crore the MCC was supposed to furnish for the construction of dam. When told that MCC will collect the money from beneficiaries, the minister was not happy and said that concrete steps must be taken in this regard.

Meanwhile, in Udupi, the UUDA, while hard-hitting on constructions on illegal plots, also relaxed terms for buildings constructed on plots bought before March 31, 2006 in accordance with the March 10, 2006 directives of State Urban Development department. Constructions on unauthorized lands purchased before March 31 will be ratified after imposing a fine of 10 percent on them.

The UUDA has decided to put a cease on constructions on unauthorized sites in areas coming under UUDA, including in Manipal and neighbouring villages, said UUDA Commissioner Ajit Hegde.

The authority has also resolved not to grant permission to construct buildings on sites bought after April 1, 2006.

As per the Urban Development Authority rules, a layout or site must have connecting roads along with civic amenities and garden. This rule was being flouted by many contractors, a recent order by the state department to UUDA said. While cautioning buyers of sites to possess proper records before finalizing a deal, Hegde said stringent action will be taken against violators in Udupi and Manipal, where violation of rules is most rampant.