The creation of special units to reduce illegal construction in Kozhikode remains stopped, although complaints against private builders and land developers are still growing. The leaders of local Action Committees argued that the rules that are recorded for the regularization of structures were abused to legitimize illegal projects, including the conversion of wetlands and unpeeled fields.
“The state of the state government’s audit revealed that a large number of illegal constructions were later regulated in Kozhikod by using gaps in the system. There should be strict controls of those who attempt to regulate such illegal regularization,” said a veteran activist for this problem with local administrators. He pointed out that individuals and agencies submitted almost 920 applications for regularization only in the financial year 2023–24.
A retirement official stated that Beypore and Eathur zones in the Kozhikode corporation had the highest number of buildings that were looking for regularization. He claimed that the owners of more than 600 buildings in two zones only submitted applications to the authorities.
Members of the local environmental forums in the city said on wetlands or unpeeled fields mostly illegal buildings are held. They argued that soil developers and real estate agencies circumvent the approval process and have decided to regulate as a faster alternative to obtain the costs of potential buyers.
“Illegal modifications and expansion of commercial buildings often appear due to lack of regular inspections. Even temporary inspection teams created during the elections showed such violations,” said the building engineer. He added that several units in the field level should be set up as part of local administrators to monitor illegal construction and reduce the regularization of these projects.
Meanwhile, the sources of the Ministry of Income stated that there were efforts to strengthen inspections at the field level with the support of building inspectors within the city limits. They also claimed that strict screening measures were taken before the regularization of buildings.
Published – April 28 2025 20:02
