Former Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu gets house demolition notice

Chandrababu Naidu's house was built within 100 meters from the river in violation of the River Conservancy Act and other rules and regulations.
TDP leaders look at the notice pasted by CRDA officials on the wall of party’s national president N Chandrababu Naidu’s residence at Undavalli. (Photo | EPS
TDP leaders look at the notice pasted by CRDA officials on the wall of party’s national president N Chandrababu Naidu’s residence at Undavalli. (Photo | EPS

VIJAYAWADA: Two days after dismantling Praja Vedika, the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA), on the directions of the State government, served a provisional show cause notice on Lingamaneni Ramesh, the landowner of the building where former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is residing in Undavalli. 

The notice cited section 115(1) of APCRDA Act, which mandates demolition of illegal structures within seven days. The authority is preparing the ground to serve notices on the owners of remaining structures along the flood bank (karakatta) road.

Officials from Development Promotion wing of the authority reached Naidu’s residence on Friday morning and pasted the notice on the compound wall. “It is found in our survey that in the said land with survey number 250, 254, 272, 274, G+1 structure, swimming pool, dressing room, helipad and 10 temporary sheds were built sans requisite permissions. These were built within 100 metres of River Krishna. As per section 115(1) of APCRDA Act, illegal structures are to be demolished in seven days,” the notice, signed by Zonal Assistant Director Nagendranath Reddy, read. 

The APCRDA gave seven days to Lingamaneni Ramesh to respond to the charge that the structures were built in violation of norms. “If there is no reply or if the reply given is not satisfactory, the authority would proceed legally -- serve a confirmation notice and take legally binding action,” the notice said.

For the record, the APCRDA has prepared a list of 28 unauthorised structures along the flood bank. Interestingly, there is a structure belonging to APCRDA in Venkatapalem, where it is developing an open stadium, a fitness centre and shuttle courts. 

Speaking to TNIE, officials said notices would be served on the owners of the remaining structures in a day or two.

Meanwhile, TDP leaders decried the authority’s move, terming it YSRC government’s plan to harass Naidu. They released documents relating to land and the structure including an NOC from river conservator, property tax receipts and land conversion document.”

“The building was constructed in 2007, when there was no CRDA. The landowner obtained all necessary permissions. The aim of the YSRC government is to harass Naidu. Instead of focusing on governance, Jagan is resorting to witch-hunt,” alleged former minister K Atchannaidu. However, the NOC issued by the river conservator clearly specified that the landowner, in 2007, applied for an NOC only for a swimming pool with a dressing room.

Former minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu alleged that the YSRC was resorting to vindictive politics. “YSRC MLA Alla Ramakrishna Reddy filed a PIL in the High Court regarding the same issue in 2016. How can the CRDA issue notice when the matter is sub judice?,” he asked.

Reacting to TDP leaders allegations in Vizianagaram, minister Botsa Satyanarayana said, “ Who is Yanamala to say that CRDA can’t issue a notice? The building is unauthorised and we will serve notices to every such structure, irrespective of who resides there --- a former cheif minister or a common man.

Villagers back ex-cm

As the news of APCRDA serving notice kicked up a storm, several residents from nearby villages reached Naidu’s residence in Undavalli to extend their support. They reportedly offered to look for a suitable land in their villages for his residence, if the TDP chief were to vacate the present house. In another development, the owner of a house has hung a signboard to the gate, stating that the building has all the clearances.

CRDA demolishes unauthorised structure 

Vijayawada: Continuing demolition of unauthorised constructions in the capital region, CRDA officials pulled down a structure being built sans permission in Poranki on Friday. According to information, the authority gave permission for G+3 building in survey number 427 (P) in Poranki. However, officials said, pillars were raised to build an additional floor. The officials said that structures and layouts without requisite permission would be dismantled.

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