Notice to Taj over building violations

The UT Estate Office has issued a show-cause notice to Hotel Taj, Sector 17, over alleged large-scale building violations and unauthorised structural changes carried out without mandatory approvals.

The hotel management has been given 15 days to respond, failing which strict action, including sealing, cancellation or resumption of the property, will be taken.

According to the notice issued under the Chandigarh Estate Rules, 2007, the hotel violated the terms and conditions of allotment under the Capital of Punjab (Development & Regulation) Act, 1952. The Estate Office stated that the property, previously governed by the Chandigarh Lease Hold of Site and Building Rules, 1973 and Chandigarh Sale of Site and Building Rules, 1960, now falls under the revised Chandigarh Estate Rules, 2007, after repeal of earlier provisions.

The notice states that the allottees/lessees were required to abide by the sanctioned building plan and seek prior approval from the Chief Administrator before altering any portion of the structure. However, a prima facie inspection revealed several unauthorised modifications inside the hotel — fire alarm main panel room in the basement altered against the sanctioned plan, corridor behind fire lift converted into office, staircase planning changed adjacent to fire lift, parking space converted into a storage area, recreation room and driver’s rest room layouts altered etc.

The Estate Office has directed the hotel management to remove all violations within two months, failing which proceedings under Rule 14 of the Estate Rules 2007 will be initiated, which include resumption, cancellation, sealing or removal.

Additionally, the hotel will be liable to pay a penalty of ?6 per square foot per day for the area under violation. In case of non-payment, the amount will be recovered as arrears of land revenue.

The notice warns that if the hotel management fails to respond within 15 days or does not appear for the hearing, action will be taken ex parte.