HC allows high-rise buildings in Cuttack city

Cuttack, Feb 17 (PTI) Orissa High Court today modifiedits 2002 order banning high-rise buildings in the city andallowed Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) to grantpermission for buildings more than four storied with certainconditions.

Taking up applications from CDA and a private builder,the division bench of Justice B P Das and Justice M M Dasgranted leave for high-rise buildings with two conditions.

"No permission for private high-rise buildings would begranted in cantonment area which houses the residentialbuilding of Orissa Chief Justice, state police headquartersand the offices of certain major government establishments,"the bench said.

With regards to permission in other areas, the CDAbefore granting permission for skyscrapers would first ensurethat approach roads, sewerage, drainage and other aspectsincluding earthquake resistance and fire safety norms are inplace, it said.

The High Court in its 2002 order said the CDA would notgrant any permission for high-rise buildings without the leaveof the court.

Seeking a modification to this order the CDA hadapproached the court in view of the growing population andrestricted availability of open land.