CM Devendra Fadnavis promises action on Empress City, Mall and NMC officials

NAGPUR: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the legislative council on Wednesday that action will taken against KSL and Industries Limited for unauthorized constructions and usage of sanctioned space at Empress City and Mall. He added that Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) officials who delayed in taking action against KSL will not be spared either.
Fadnavis was answering a query raised by MLC Anil Sole who added that CM has said offence will be registered against KSL for its violations. “The NMC issued notices to KSL for unauthorized constructions in 2013 but no action was taken. Then, NMC took some mild action following which KSL obtained a HC stay in 2016. I wanted to know why no action was taken for three years,” said Sole.

Sole added that the urban development department and NMC have been asked to make proper representations in the HC. “Fadnavis also said unauthorized constructions that are not compoundable will be demolished,” he said.

The MLC also said he will be raising more violations related to KSL by submitting an adjournment motion and an half-an-hour discussion in the council.

In his written reply, Fadnavis confirmed the unauthorized constructions by KSL. This includes a temple measuring 314.96 sq.mt in open space of Empress City and a whopping 1,12,57.88 sq.mt on the fourth floor of the Empress Mall that was reserved for parking.

“Empress Mall’s property tax is Rs1.95 crore per annum as on March 31, 2017. The arrears are Rs12.23 crore and interest is Rs32.35 crore. The NMC had demanded Rs14.51 crore from Empress Mall which paid Rs2 crore following HC directives. The process to recover remaining tax is on,” said Fadnavis.

KSL also owes high arrears of water bills too.

As reported by TOI periodically, fire norms too have been violated in the Mall and City. But the fire department has taken no action.

The KSL had constructed 10 residential flat towers and one IT building in Empress City. As per NMC norms, KSL was supposed to obtain fire compliance and occupancy certificate from Dhantoli zone before handing over possession of flats.

Also, KSL has not taken sanction for a revised building plan for user change from IT to residential in four towers. KSL had reportedly given possession of flats in six towers and the IT building.

Yet, the fire department did not take any action. Recently, KSL submitted an application seeking fire compliance for three towers.