CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has called for status reports from the administration over the illegal constructions which have mushroomed in hill stations such as Uthagamandalam, Coonoor and Kodaikanal.
A division bench of Justices M Sathyanarayanan and N Seshashayee directed the Commissioners of Kodaikanal and Uthagamandalam Municipalities and the Director of Town and Country planning to file the reports after carrying out inspections in their respective areas.
The bench was disposing of a batch of PILs, including one from S Mohammed Ali Jinnah, challenging the lock-and-seal notice issued by TCP director on August 8 last and another one questioning an order cancelling the building plan.
Deferring the demolition order passed by the Kodaikanal Municipality Commissioner, the bench directed the secretary, Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, to dispose of the revision application of the petitioner within 10 weeks.There are rampant illegal buildings in the hill stations, the bench pointed out.
Bench fires warning
The High Court bench was worried over increasing illegal construction in hilly regions, and said they increase the casualty and losses during natural calamities (such as floods).