Guntur commissioner suspends town planning official over illegal constructions

Guntur: Cracking the whip against the errant officials, Guntur municipal commissioner K Mayur Ashok has suspended a town planning building officer (TPBO) and issued show-cause notices to senior officials over negligence in curbing illegal constructions in the city. The commissioner made it clear that the civic body would adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards unauthorised and illegal constructions. He warned that strict action would be taken against town planning officials and secretariat staff found negligent in discharging their duties. The action follows the detection of ongoing illegal construction up to basement and lintel levels in the Kamma Seshayya Grounds area on Etukuru Road. The commissioner said the concerned field-level officer, TPBO (in-charge) SK Rasool, was suspended for failing to prevent the violations. Commissioner issued show-cause notices to supervisory officials, including assistant city planner (ACP) Zakira and town planning officer (TPO) Srinivasa Rao. Mayur Ashok reiterated that clear instructions have already been issued to officials to identify and stop unauthorised constructions at the initial stages itself through ward secretariats. Despite this, some officials were found to be neglecting field-level monitoring, he said, warning of stringent action against those responsible. He directed planning secretaries to conduct daily inspections within their respective jurisdictions to ensure that no illegal constructions take place. "Failure to do so would invite accountability and disciplinary action," commissioner warned. The commissioner also appealed to citizens to report any unauthorised constructions by providing details via WhatsApp to 98499 08391, assuring that all complaints would be examined and appropriate action taken promptly.