Staff Correspondent
Port Blair, Feb 05: In a major relief to a large section of people in Port Blair city the Port Blair Municipal Council has passed a resolution on 7th January 2015 wherein the council unanimously resolved to stop serving notice, demolition notice, sealing notice or taking action against any buildings which were constructed in deviation to the sanctioned plan or violation of building Bye Laws.
Meanwhile, the council directed the officers and building officials to conduct a survey of building of the newly annexed 6 wards which are going to be the part of Municipal Council from April 2015 and a detail survey of existing 18 wards including Phongy Kaung. This direction was issued so that one time exemption for 6 wards can be also be given as for the existing 18 wards resolution has been passed for one time exemption.
“Till then no notice, no sealing notice of buildings, no demolition of buildings and no harassment to the general public should be done,” a note prepared by the Chairperson of PBMC said.
The council also noted that several complaints have been received from various quarters stating that the officials of PBMC are harassing the general public even after passing the above resolution.
Meanwhile, according to sources, in the above note the PBMC Secretary has put objections, terming the order as illegal and arbitrary.
“Officials including Chairpersons etc are duty bound to discharge their duties as per law. Council cannot suspend operation of bye-laws framed under the regulation,” the Secretary noted.
It is worth mentioning here that that during launch of Citizen’s Charter on Jan 01,2015, as per AIR news, the Lt. Governor had asked authorities to take steps to stop blatant unauthorized construction in Islands. But he had also said that buildings with minor deviations may be considered for one time exception.
However, several people have told Andaman Sheekha that many shady people in city are harassing people with demolition notices, served by PBMC, by asking money. Some people, with minor deviations, especially those who are helpless, are getting notice after notice but most of the people with major deviations are getting open protection.
