Minister defends demolition against party MP's allegations

Guwahati, Jul 17 (UNI) Guwahati Development Department (GDD) Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma today justified the demolition of a part of a multi-storied apartment here on Saturday after local MP Kirip Chaliha criticised the government for the demolition.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Sharma said, '' The builders had committed gross violations under non-compoundable deviations and unauthorised constructions even after repeated notices from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC). '' '' We appreciate Mr Chaliha's concern for the residents of the building. We hope Mr Chailha will display same sympathy with blast victims and other victims, and not only owners of multi-storied buildings, '' he added with a note of sarcasm.

Guwahati MP Kirip Chaliha, also a Congress member, had protested the demolition of a six-storied building at Lakhimi Path, R.G.Baruah Road, of the city on Saturday. He had prevented the demolition process, stating that the demolition would affect the residents of the building who were unaware of the violations and had not been served prior notice.

Mr Sharma clarified that the owner of the building in question Dilip Sharma had obtained permission for constructing a residential building in March, 1999, which was renewed in April, 2003.

Permission had been granted for construction of five units on an approved area of 1110 sq. ft., under the name 'Srishtie' residential building.

'' Pursuing a complaint filed by the local people, the GMC found that 'Srishtie' residential building was being converted into 'Garyashi Apartment' without the requisite permission, '' Mr Sharma informed.

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