Major embarrassment for M’laya Urban Development Authority
SHILLONG: In a significant judgment that could have far- reaching ramifications, the High Court of Meghalaya has prohibited constructions beyond G-plus three (ground floor and three additional floors) in the State Capital following violation of the building rules by the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority.
In an interim order, the Division Bench comprising Judges T.NK Singh and S.R. Sen, after hearing a PIL on the matter on Friday, issued notice to the Government prohibiting construction of buildings beyond the prescribed limit of G-plus three. The Court will hear the matter after four weeks.
The PIL was filed by city-based lawyer Jonathan Thangkhiew and three others while MUDA was represented by SP Mahanta.
The counsel for the petitioners, Kaustav Paul, said the High Court was concerned over the random construction of buildings in a hilly area like Shillong and moreover, the capital city falls under Seismic Zone 5.
The ramifications of the order of the Court is that large number of existing buildings in Shillong which are beyond the prescribed limit set by MUDA will come under scanner and may also face demolition.
Moreover, there are several ongoing constructions which are over four stories.
According to Paul, a catastrophe is awaiting Shillong due to the mindless construction of sky rise buildings in and around the city.
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