Patna: Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has stepped up action against 26,746 cases of unauthorised non-residential use of buildings in residential areas, directing executive officers of all circles to conduct regular hearings and dispose of cases promptly.Municipal commissioner Yashpal Meena on Friday directed circle executive officers to hear cases involving property owners served notices for carrying out non-residential activities in residential colonies. The officers have been asked to examine objections, documents and representations submitted by property owners and dispose of cases as per rules without unnecessary delay.The action follows a recent Supreme Court order in the Loganathan vs State of Tamil Nadu & Ors case.Following the order, PMC identified buildings and properties in its circles where non-residential activities were being carried out in residential areas.Notices were subsequently issued to the concerned property owners, giving them an opportunity to present their cases. The maximum number of notices were issued in Kankarbagh Circle (7,072), followed by Patliputra (5,798), Bankipur (5,051), Azimabad (3,476), Patna City (3,137) and New Capital Circle (2,212), taking the total to 26,746.The civic body said hearings would now be conducted at the circle level to expedite the process and ensure cases were disposed of according to rules.PMC officials said the action aimed to ensure compliance with regulations governing the permitted use of land and buildings in residential areas and prevent inconvenience to residents caused by unauthorised activities.Under Section 27A (5) of the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007, the chief municipal officer can delegate his powers, responsibilities and functions to subordinate officers. The provision will facilitate circle-level hearings and necessary action in such cases.
