Special task force or STF to crackdown on illegal constructions in Chennai
Posted on: 30/Jan/2019 10:04:47 AM
Special task forces or STF attached to CMDA or Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority would soon get patrol vehicles fitted with GPS enabled cameras. It is brought out that SPF would play their role in cracking down on encroachments, building violations and other unauthorised constructions etc.
The point is snapping power, water and sewage connections to the building would be done by the SPF having representatives from different agencies and this would be as soon as illegal constructions are detected. It was pointed out by official sources in the housing and urban development department that the above idea was taken from Delhi where such vehicles do rounds like police patrol.
The official explained about how Delhi has got centralised control room and how complaints could be made on the phone. The patrol vehicle visits the spot to verify and record images and videos for further action after recording the complaints. He finally mentioned that the state government might take a cue from Delhi in this.
The information collected was as per the government order STF would be constituted separately for CMDA and independently in every district that comes under the control of directorate of town and country planning or DTCP. It is important to note that the STF in Chennai metropolitan area would be a 14 member body and it would be headed by CMDA vice-chairman. It would have representatives from GCC, police and municipal administration, Tangedco and metro water etc.
Photographs and videos pertaining to the violations as evidence for future course of action would be clicked by the STF field staffs having GPS enabled cameras. As per an urban development department official it is clear that in case of any violation the respective department would be notified not to provide any services. It is said that each department role in STF has been well defined. An official belonging to CMDA expressed his thoughts. He spoke about how CMDA has got toll free numbers for complaints about unauthorised constructions and deviations and how the authorities take a week before initiating any action. He finally hinted that the newly constituted STF would guide the enforcement cell of CMDA to take action against illegal constructions.
