Chennai: Water resources department (WRD) cautioned the public against purchasing land near lakes, rivers and other water bodies after four illegally-constructed concrete structures were demolished on Parivakkam Odai near Poonamallee last week.According to a senior WRD official, staff noticed construction activity near the banks of the Odai a few weeks ago.Officials found a private individual sold the land to four buyers, who began building houses there. The land falls under Odai Poramboke, where any form of private construction is prohibited.
Officials said those involved were initially instructed to halt construction. However, without continuous monitoring, civil works resumed and the structures were nearly completed. During a follow-up inspection last week, officials found the houses were fully built. Officials later issued warnings to occupants and initiated demolition. The structures were razed in the presence of revenue dept officials, and with police protection. The official said many such cases involve people from economically weaker sections who are misled into purchasing govt land.
