The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stopped construction on a Patia apartment project after allegations of unauthorized land-use changes. The plot, initially leased for industrial purposes, was reclassified to sthitiban without proper authorization, enabling the developer to begin constructing a 33-story tower, a 29-story tower, and a clubhouse. Following a directive from the General Administration and Public Grievances department, the BMC flagged violations of the lease agreement and land classification. With ownership and legal status now in dispute, construction is suspended until a final ruling is issued. This case underscores the critical need for regulatory compliance in urban development.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ordered a local developer to cease work on an apartment project in the Patia area following accusations of unauthorized land use alterations. Reports suggest that the government initially allocated the plot for industrial purposes, but the developer allegedly changed its classification to sthitiban and began constructing a multi-story residential complex, circumventing legal procedures.
The developer was in the process of erecting a 33-story tower, a 29-story tower, and a two-story clubhouse. The BMC's order directed the builder to halt work on one block of the 33-story tower, five blocks of the 29-story tower, and one block of the clubhouse.
The order clarified that the General Administration and Public Grievances (GA and PG) department had communicated that the plot had been leased for industrial use, yet the developer was constructing a residential building with BMC approval.
The BMC commissioner's directive stressed that the GA and PG department's communication breached the terms of the registered lease agreement and pointed out the unauthorized alteration of the land's classification.
In September, the GA and PG department directed the Tehsildar of Bhubaneswar to update the land records by removing the sthitiban classification from the pattadar entry and to appeal against the orders permitting the illegal reclassification of the land.
The directive further instructed the Khurda collector to act swiftly to correct the land records. The BMC's order also noted that, under the current situation, the ownership and legal status of the land are now in dispute.
As per the regulations, if a dispute arises over land records, ownership, or rights after permission is granted, the approval will automatically be revoked during the dispute period. The order concludes by mandating that the developer halt construction and development until a final ruling is made by the appropriate authorities regarding the ownership and legal status of the land.
In conclusion, the BMC's decision to halt construction reflects the importance of adhering to land-use regulations and lease agreements. With the land's ownership and classification now under dispute, the builder must await a final determination from the relevant authorities. The case highlights the need for thorough legal oversight in urban development projects to prevent unauthorized land use changes and ensure compliance with local governance regulations. The ongoing legal process will ultimately decide whether the construction can resume or if further action will be taken against the developer.
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