Curation Team
CHENNAI: After deep and large cracks developed on roads and buildings at Velachery, Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) issued stop-work notice to Iyra Properties for causing damage due to improper construction work.
In a notice under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, GCC asked the realtor to stop construction at Seshadripuram First Main Road, where cracks appreared on roads, buildings, stormwater drains, and sewerage lines.
GCC said the road and SWD collapsed because of improper piling and shoring work done at the construction site. The corporation said IIT Madras will study the damage and suggest rectifications.
“GCC will take legal action if you fail to comply with the notice, including locking and sealing of the premises, seizure and confiscation of construction materials, auction of materials seized, prosecution of the owner and discontinuance of usage, recovery of all costs for restoration work,” the notice said.
Several houses on Seshadripuram First Street developed cracks on buildings, parking lots, corridors, and causeways. M C Shrikkanthan, a resident of Anmol Abinandan gated community, said their complex developed cracks a week ago. “We took it up with the builder and they promised rectification. The cracks eventually worsened. Every day, the vibrations were unbearable and residents feared a collapse. We learned 200 piles were being laid,” he said.
Officials said the 50,000sqft construction site is currently in the basement stage. The stretch, with more than 1,000 houses, has been cordoned off.
Regional deputy commissioner (south) Aftab Rasool, who inspected the spot, said the area has black and clayey soil with a rocky surface beneath. “We cannot dig beyond a limit. IIT findings will give a proper picture,” he said, adding that IIT experts will visit the spot on Wednesday.
Ram Prabhu, committee chairman, directorate of town and country planning, said construction piles need 20m depth in the centre and if this space isn’t there, it can affect nearby areas. “There must be a five-ft setback for a three-storey housing to a 24-foot setback for multi-storey housing,” he said.
