Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, August 16: Authorities are turning a blind eye to illegal apartment blocks mushrooming near River Kuakhai on the outskirts of the city.
BDA liaision officer Subhranshu Mohanty said the area is part of a flood zone set aside by the master plan prepared by experts from IIT Kharagpur in 2008.
Many educational institutions, hospitals and residential buildings have reportedly indulged in blatant violation of Section 15(1) of the Orissa Development Act, 1982 which states that the builder has to seek prior-permission from BDA and other agencies before commencing with construction of buildings.
A Comprehensive Development Plan constituted by BDA, BMC, director of town planning and water department which was approved by the state government in 2010, had objected to the conversion of farmlands for industrial and residential uses citing environmental reasons, but authorities so far have not taken strict action against builders who allegedly enjoy the support of the political-real estate tycoon nexus.
BDA officials said more than 55 apartment complexes have come up in the ecologically sensitive river area so far, violating a government order that prohibits any kind of building activity near the flood zone of the river.
Some of them have filled up paddy fields after taking over land from farmers by paying a token amount, in tacit understanding with government officials.
Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital, one of the major violators, has developed its entire complex despite BDA objecting to their building plan.
A case was filed by BDA in 2012 with the High Court but the hospital managed to obtain status-quo. Similarly, another residential project has built five huge towers in the area, spread over five blocks.
Many educational institutions and hospitals are also functioning in the area, in the green field zone earmarked by the master plan of the city.
