Coimbatore: The Coimbatore Corporation has initiated the demolition of a three-storey commercial building situated on land that was illegally occupied for over two decades. The building, located in Balaji Nagar near Avarampalayam within ward 48 of the central zone, spans nearly 11,000 square feet and housed over 20 commercial establishments.
The land in question, measuring seven cents and valued at approximately Rs 3 crore, was earmarked as a reserve site in a layout approved by the Town and Country Planning Department in 1971, when Coimbatore was still a municipality. Over the years, the parcel of land was allegedly encroached upon by an individual named Damodaran, who proceeded to construct the multi-storey building.
The matter reached the Madras High Court in 2016 after the corporation took cognizance of the encroachment. In December of the previous year, the High Court directed the civic body to inspect and take possession of the land. Following this order, Damodaran’s family appealed to the Supreme Court. However, the apex court upheld the Madras High Court’s ruling and dismissed their case, paving the way for the corporation to reclaim its property.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the corporation had issued notices to the commercial tenants in February, informing them of the impending action. On Thursday, officials, led by the city planning officer, commenced the demolition process. A corporation official stated that the property had been under encroachment for more than 20 years, and the recovery process had been delayed due to frequent transfers of officials and pending legal proceedings.
The official further noted that the complete demolition of the three-storey structure is expected to take approximately 10 days. Security has been heightened in the vicinity, with police barricades erected and around 10 police personnel deployed to ensure smooth proceedings and maintain order during the demolition drive. This action underscores the corporation’s commitment to reclaiming public land from illegal occupations and ensuring adherence to land use regulations.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
