Only minor violations, say builders

Navi Mumbai builders have dismissed allegations of Floor Space Index (FSI) violations in the high-rises along Palm Beach Road, terming them as minor.

Navi Mumbai builders have dismissed allegations of Floor Space Index (FSI) violations in the high-rises along Palm Beach Road, terming them as minor.

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A day earlier, chief minister Prithviraj Chavan said that 21 high-rises on Palm Beach Road had violated construction norms.

“The builders constructed the buildings in 2006-07 and took occupancy certificates,” said Bhupendra Shah, president of the Builders Association of Navi Mumbai, whose building too figures in the list.

Shah said, “Owners have covered their terraces and flower beds. How can the builder be blamed for it? He has no control on high-rises.” Shah added that only one building, Venus, had added adition floors —13 floors instead of the authorised 10— and was under inquiry already.

Agreeing with him, Manohar Shroff, secretary of Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (MCHI), Navi Mumbai, “The violations are not as major as it is being made out to be. These buildings have occupancy certificates for years. There could be some minor violations, which often happens. Those responsible should be punished.” Shroff added that MCHI would meet the CM and apprise him of the situation.