Bhubaneswar: In a major relief to owners of unauthorised buildings in the beach area here, the Puri Konark Development Authority (PKDA) has decided to reconsider their plea to legalise their buildings as per provisions in the Orissa Municipal Act.
A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting of PKDA held in Bhubaneswar and chaired by the Urban Development Minister Niranjan Pujari. The details of the meeting have been sent to the PKDA. As per the decision, the move to legalise the illegal constructions will be applicable only for the existing buildings.
Earlier, the PKDA had issued an order to demolish 316 illegal buildings and hotels in the beach area. The local hotel owners association had challenged the decision in the Orissa High Court. During the course of hearing, the HC had directed the PKDA to take action against the illegal building owners as per provisions in the Environment Protection Act and not the Orissa Development Authorities Act. Besides, the court had directed the PKDA to reconsider its decision to demolish the 316 buildings.
Subsequently, the PKDA had challenged the HC ruling and filed a writ. While the case is still sub-judice, the PKDA has decided to take a call on the fate of the buildings in accordance with the Orissa Municipal Act. However, the decision will be implemented only after the final judgement of the writ, sources said.
Moreover, the meeting also decided to take a call on fresh constructions along the beach in accordance with the amended notification of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), 2015. Baliapanda, Talabania and Chakratirtha sweet ground water protected zone have already been declared prohibited zones where building construction, except parks and playgrounds, have been banned. Besides, the land use proposal of proposed Jagannath Enclave has also been approved at the meeting.
PNN