UT EO serves notice to Centra Mall over building violation, inadequate parking

The UT Estate Office (EO) finally seems to have woken up from its slumber to address the growing parking woes on the road outside Centra Mall in Industrial Area, Phase I.

The Office has served a notice to the mall authorities for inadequate usage of parking lots, as per its sanctioned building plans, besides other violations of the building by-laws.

According to officials, the notice has been served to Uppal Housing Limited, Centra Mall, under rules 14 and 10 of the Chandigarh Estate Rules, 2007 for altering the building without prior permission of the Chief Administrator. The violations as mentioned by the UT Estate Office include surface parking not being marked in all the parking areas, as per the sanctioned building plan, laying of ornamental granite flooring as well as greenery in the parking area, and marking for vehicle parking in the lower and upper basement has been made partially. The notice also mentioned that the total area under violation was 8,000 square feet.

The Estate Office has sought a reply to the notice within 15 days, along with a penalty of Rs 500-per-square ft from the date of issuing the notice.

UT Estate Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shayin said, "Violations were found in the premises, so the notice was served according to the provisions of the rules. Further action will be taken after they file a reply".

According to officials of the Estate Office, an inspection that was conducted revealed that the parking facility was not adequately used, thereby, leading to parking of vehicles on the road in front of Centra Mall and the one on the side. As a result, vehicular movement on the road is hampered.

In 2011, Centra Mall was in the news over the matter pertaining to the issuance of No Objection Certificate for fire safety norms which led to a difference of opinion between the then SDM (east) and the additional commissioner of the Municipal Corporation.

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