A government inquiry has named the original developers as the “prime culprits” in the Arpora Birch fire case. The report reveals that illegal structures linked to the tragedy were built in 1998-99 on Survey Nos. 158/0 and 159/0, in areas of salt pans and water bodies where construction is strictly prohibited under land and coastal laws. One major structure was reportedly built in the middle of a salt pan, which is illegal under any law. Although limited approvals were granted in the 1990s, these did not allow for later expansions or commercial operations. The inquiry concludes that the structures are illegal ab initio and attributes responsibility for the initial violations to the original developers, calling them the “prime culprits” behind the unlawful construction.
Birch fire inquiry flags original developers for unlawful 1998-99 structures
