Chennai: The corporation had sealed the ‘ill-fated’ building that claimed the lives of four, in September 2016, but residents have been using the premises by gaining entry through the back door, according to a senior corporation official.
“We sealed the building following complaints about violations. Only today after this tragedy did we come to know that the residents were using the back door to continue living there,” Kodambakkam zonal officer told DC.
The obvious question that arises now is the official apathy of the corporation officials who paid no heed to the unauthorised living in the G+3 storied apartment.
“How did neighbours remain quiet? The local corporation officials should be held responsible for the negligence. Only when a mishap happens do officials wake up,” opined civic activist V. Ramarao.
As per the details availed from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority’s website, the sealed building’s owner is ‘E. Vijaya Kumar’. It was constructed as ground +1 storied one in 1992, after getting the necessary approvals from the civic body. However, two more floors were raised in 2004, without the mandatory approval from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority.
The majority of the houses are single bedroom ones, with the rent of around Rs 5,000. “We sealed the building in September 2016, due to various violations,” said a senior corporation official.
The tenants of the building had approached the Supreme Court after the premises was sealed. However, the Supreme Court had dismissed the case, and directed them to approach the high court, said the official, adding that the HC had not stayed the case yet.
