Puri: The Puri district administration in Odisha has stepped up action against alleged illegal constructions, issuing notices to 32 hotels in the city for suspected violations of construction and land-use regulations.

Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida said notices have been served to the 32 hotels and the establishments have been directed to comply with the applicable rules.

The action follows directions from the Odisha Housing and Urban Development Department to take steps against illegal constructions in cases involving unauthorised changes in land use, violations of sanctioned building plans and construction beyond the prescribed height limits.

The issue has gained renewed attention following the Supreme Court's strict observations on illegal constructions, prompting authorities to intensify enforcement measures.

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Puri Municipal Corporation Joint Commissioner Abhimanyu Behera also responded to the issue, with the civic body examining alleged violations and taking steps as per the applicable regulations.

Under the rules, constructions can face action if land-use classification has been changed without due approval, sanctioned building plans have been violated or structures exceed the permissible height.

Meanwhile, questions have also been raised over allegations that some of the hotels received encouragement or approvals during the previous government. There are demands for action against officials, if any, found to have facilitated or overlooked illegal constructions.

Questions have also been raised over how electricity connections were provided to buildings allegedly under illegal construction.

With the state government now intensifying its scrutiny of unauthorised constructions following the Supreme Court's firm stand on the issue, attention is focused on what further action will be taken against the 32 hotels and whether responsibility will also be fixed on officials found to have violated or ignored the rules.