Mayor leads inspection after complaints of rampant unauthorised building
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The city corporation on Monday intensified action against unauthorised constructions in the heart of the city, serving notices to several buildings in the Pulimoodu area and initiating legal proceedings against properties found violating municipal directions. The move followed widespread complaints about ongoing construction activity despite earlier stop memos from the civic body.
Mayor V V Rajesh led on-site inspections in and around the Connemara Market–Palayam precinct, where commercial establishments and builders have been accused of carrying out work beyond the scope of approved plans. According to a corporation statement, five illegal constructions in Pulimoodu were served notices on Monday.
“Many constructions are happening illegally and some violators have constructed additional floors beyond limits permitted under their approvals,”
The corporation said its inspection team, under the mayor’s supervision, has begun legal action including the issuance of provisional orders where violations were confirmed. The statement said the measures were prompted by complaints that several builders and commercial establishments continued works despite stop memos issued earlier by the civic body.
Scope of action and civic implications
Urban core areas such as Pulimoodu and Palayam host a mix of markets, shops and older residential stock; unauthorised additions or new construction can strain infrastructure and complicate traffic and fire-safety management. The corporation’s enforcement drive aims to halt work that does not conform to sanctioned plans and to deter further violations through legal channels.
- Notices served to five illegal constructions in Pulimoodu.
- Inspections led by Mayor V V Rajesh in the Connemara Market–Palayam area.
- Provisional orders and legal proceedings initiated against confirmed violators.
Corporation officials emphasised that stop memos remain in force and that continuing construction in defiance of such orders attracts legal consequences. The statement did not list the names of the builders or commercial entities that received notices, nor did it provide a timeline for demolition or further action where violations persist.
| Location | Action taken | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Pulimoodu | Notices served | 5 |
| Connemara Market–Palayam | On-site inspection led by mayor | — |
Enforcement challenges and public expectations
Enforcement in central city neighbourhoods often requires careful coordination between the corporation’s town-planning, building regulation and enforcement wings. Residents and market stakeholders have long urged stricter oversight, citing safety concerns and the congestion caused by unauthorised extensions and additional floors. The corporation said its present action was a response to citizen complaints and reiterated its commitment to follow statutory procedures.
Legal experts note that provisional orders are an interim measure; if the corporation proceeds further, cases can move through quasi-judicial panels or the courts depending on the nature of the violations and the defence mounted by builders. The corporation’s next steps, including whether to seek demolition orders or recovery of penalties, were not specified in the statement issued on Monday.
Mayor Rajesh’s visible presence at the inspections signals the civic administration’s intent to take a stricter line on unauthorised construction in central Thiruvananthapuram, but residents and traders will watch closely for transparent follow-through and timely action to ensure safety and compliance with approved building norms.
