Thiruvananthapuram: The state town and country planning department has decided to launch a drive in the industrial zone in Thiruvananthapuram to check building rule violations in the wake of a major fire outbreak at Manvila, which comes under the zone.
The department is planning to give a special report to the government seeking action.
Chief town planner K. S. Girija told Deccan Chronicle that as per the master plan, the plastic manufacturing unit is located in the industrial zone.
“Construction of residential buildings is strictly prohibited in close proximity to industries. However, as the master plan came into effect very recently, we cannot relocate the residents or demolish the existing residential structures. As per rules, the existing residents can carry out only repairing works of homes. No extension or expansion of the structure is allowed,” she said.
Ms Girija said that the vigilance wing of the local self-government department (LSGD) carry out random checks at industrial buildings regularly.
“We receive a lot of complaints relating to building rule violations. And we carry out inspection regularly and report it to the concerned local bodies. They are the agencies who should take action against violators. A report will be submitted soon to the government after checking building rule violations,” she added.
At Manvila, the factory was surrounded by houses, flats and a hostel and the authorities had to evacuate residents to safety following the fire.
