Town planning under fire at council meet

Rajamahendravaram: Pandemonium prevailed for some time in the council meeting held in the corporation office here on Thursday, as heated arguments took place between the corporators of YSRCP and TDP relating to a multiplex which was under construction.

YSRCP floor leader Medapati Sharmila Reddy demanded that the mayor, Pantham Rajani Sesha Sai allow for discussion on the multiplex which was under construction before taking up agenda which was denied by the mayor. With this, the mayor adjourned the council meeting for some time.

Later, urban MLA Dr Akula Satyanarayana said that the city planning wing of corporation cannot escape saying that the multiplex falls under the purview of Godavari Urban Development Authority (GUDA).

Though it comes under GUDA, why the officials of city planning alerted the corporation Commissioner or GUDA authorities, he questioned. The compound wall of adjacent apartment was collapsed because the multiplex builder dug to 70 feet depth, he added.

“Who will take the responsibility, if any human loss occurred,” he questioned and said it was the gross negligence of city planning wing as the enforcement authority lies on the corporation. 

Moreover, the builder dug even in corporation limits on the four sides and demanded for an inquiry and take stern action on the builder of multiplex.

Rural MLA Gorantla Buchaiah Choudary also demanded for an inquiry on how the builder was constructing the multiplex without obtaining necessary permissions from GUDA. No politician was involved in this issue, he said and demanded action on the builder. 

The city planning wing officials who harass poor and middle class people even for small deviations were silent spectators when a huge multiplex coming up from nine months on the busy road, he wondered. 

If the adjacent apartment collapses what would be the fate of the residents of the apartment. “On hearing the news, I went there and asked the builder to shift the residents to a hotel immediately,” he said.

“It is the duty of city planning wing to check the buildings under construction whether they are having necessary permissions or not and inform it to GUDA or corporation authorities,” he added.

TDP floor leader VS Rao, deputy mayor V Rambabu, additional commissioner  NVVS Rao and other officials were present.