Indore: Several buildings in the city are violating marginal open space (MOS) and open to sky (OTS) norms but civic authorities overlooked these irregularities till a fire broke out at coaching class in Surat recently, which claimed life of nearly 20 students studying there. After that incident, municipal commissioner Asheesh Singh ordered inspection of buildings having height of 12.5 metres and above in the city to assess whether fire norms are being followed.
Former corporator Parmanand Sisodiya alleged that several buildings have used MOS and OTS areas but the civic body did not conduct survey to identify illegal construction despite order given by Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court. On a petition by Sisodiya, High Court in November last year had directed Indore Municipal Corporation to conduct a survey for identifying unauthorised constructions within the municipal limit and initiate action against irregularities.
In his petition, Sisodiya had stated that large number of illegal constructions have take place in the city but IMC didn’t act. To supplement his claim, he had given a list of nearly a dozen buildings claiming that they were erected in gross violation of norms.
“All the 12 buildings had used MOS and OTS areas also, which are to be left for open as per fire guidelines,” Sisodiya stated. He also stated that there are many other buildings in the city, which are also violating fire and buildings norms for which orders were given by court to conduct survey and ensure action. “The order was not complied with,” he added.
