Chennai: 770 buildings under scanner over solar panel rules violation

CHENNAI: More than 770 new buildings including residential complexes constructed in the past three years in the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) have come under the scanner of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) for solar photovoltaic panel violations.

While the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules mandate these panels for constructions receiving completion certificate from the CMDA, several buildings have failed to install the devices. The planning authority has decided to inspect such structures and warned stern action against the violators.

The rules which came into effect in February, 2019 has made installation of solar energy system compulsory for all non highrise buildings (ground + four floors or stilt + five floors) and high rise buildings (above non-high rise category) and those exceeding 16 dwelling units and 300 sqm for commercial structures in the CMA.