CMDA Begins Demolition of 10-Storey Illegal Building in T Nagar After HC Order

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has begun demolishing seven illegally constructed floors of a commercial building in T Nagar’s busy Pondy Bazaar area, following a stern order from the Madras High Court.

The building, originally approved in 1990 for just three floors along with a basement, ground, and mezzanine floor was found to have violated planning norms by going up to ten floors. The developer, Janpriya Builders, had not only built eight upper floors but also partially constructed the ninth and tenth, well beyond what was permitted.

Despite filing two separate applications seeking regularisation of the unauthorized structure, CMDA rejected both. An appeal under Section 80-A of the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act was also dismissed by the state government.

The Madras High Court, taking a strict stance on the violation, ordered CMDA and the Greater Chennai Corporation to demolish the illegal portions within eight weeks. Acting on this directive, officials initiated the demolition over the weekend, starting with the topmost floors.

The case has once again highlighted enforcement challenges within CMDA. Officials admitted to severe staff shortages, revealing that only two deputy planners are currently managing enforcement for the entire city. This comes amid a growing number of construction approvals, with CMDA clearing around 70 non-high-rise buildings every month and about 70 high-rises annually.

Residents welcomed the court’s move and urged the authorities to clamp down more firmly on rampant building violations across the city. “There are several buildings with similar illegal floors in our area. We hope this action sets a precedent,” said a resident.

With the demolition underway, CMDA’s action signals a rare but strong move against unauthorized high-rises in Chennai’s commercial zones, reinforcing the judiciary’s push for urban planning accountability.