Saravana Stores Outlet in K.K. Nagar Sealed for Major Building Violations

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) on Saturday sealed the Saravana Stores outlet in K.K. Nagar over multiple violations of building regulations, including illegal commercial use and deviation from approved plans.

According to GCC officials, the outlet had received approval for a stilt plus three-floor structure intended exclusively for parking. However, during inspections, the premises were found to be used for commercial activities, a clear breach of the sanctioned plan.

“The building had permission for parking facilities across the floors, but they were being used for commercial purposes instead,” confirmed Iniyan, Executive Engineer of the Kodambakkam zone, speaking to The New Indian Express.

Further violations cited by the civic body include non-compliance with mandatory site setbacks and unauthorized conversion of land use from residential to commercial purposes. Such deviations are considered serious breaches under municipal building norms, which could pose risks to public safety and urban planning.

The sealing of the retail outlet is part of a broader crackdown by the GCC on unauthorized commercial structures in residential zones and misuse of building approvals. Official sources said that legal action would be initiated, and the owner of the property could either be evicted and ordered to undertake corrective actions or the illegal structures could be demolished.

Saravana Stores, another large retail chain in Chennai, has earlier been pulled up by civic bodies for such violations. The present action indicates the Corporation taking a stricter line of action in the wake of mounting complaints over city violations across Chennai.

Residents within the area have complained for a long time about traffic jams, safety risks, and improper parking, all of which are amplified by such illicit commercial use.

The GCC has called on property developers and company owners to rigorously abide by approved plans and zoning laws, warning that infractions will draw strict punitive measures, including sealing, demolition, and litigation.