CAG notes building rule violations in audit of local bodies in Keralam

The audit noticed undue delay in resolving unauthorised constructions by selected urban local bodies. (File photo) An overall delay ranging from 44 days to 474 days have been noticed in issuing building permits in local bodies in Keralam, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s report on local self-government institutions for the period ending March 2024. The audit noticed undue delay in resolving unauthorised constructions by selected urban local bodies.Though Kochi Corporation and municipalities of Aluva, Varkala and Mukkam were aware of violation of Kerala Municipal Building Rules (KMBR) in 28 buildings, these buildings were found to be operational without a building permit and occupancy certificate. Secretaries did not initiate any action either to regularise or demolish these buildings. The report says that three urban local bodies issued occupancy certificate/permit for 10 constructions without ensuring NOC from authorities concerned.During joint physical verification, the CAG detected 10 unauthorised constructions in four urban local bodies and 193 unauthorised additions/alterations in selected urban bodies, which indicated deficiencies in monitoring mechanism. In selected urban bodies, 1,058 mobile towers remained unauthorised, incurring a minimum revenue loss of ₹2.12 crore towards fee for erection of towers.Undetected violationsThe audit also noticed unauthorised conversion of occupancy after issuance of occupancy certificate in violation of provisions resulting in inadequate recreational space, lift facility and setback. Audit identified shortage of 1,210 car parking spaces in 123 buildings due to conversion of parking space and unauthorised additions. In the absence of post-occupancy audits, these violations remained undetected by the urban bodies.The CAG has recommended that the urban bodies introduce stringent measures to ensure that building permits and occupancy certificates are issued only after compliance with the mandatory requirements outlined in the KMBR. Post-occupancy audits and squad activities have to be strengthened and streamlined to effectively detect unauthorised constructions and deviations from approved occupancy. Published - October 26, 2026 07:38 pm IST