74. Removal of structures, trees etc., which are in ruins or likely to fall.
(1)If it appears at any time to the Grama Panchayat that any building or any part thereof or any tree or branch of a tree is in a ruinous state or is likely to fall or is in any other way dangerous to any person occupying, resorting to or passing by the such building or the part thereof, or the tree or the branch of the tree, the Grama Panchayat may by written notice require the owner or occupier of such building or trees as the case may be,-(i)to pull down, lop or cut down; or(ii)to secure; or(iii)to remove; or(iv)to repair, such building or part of it or the tree or the branch of the tree, as the case may be, and to prevent all causes of danger therefrom.(2)If it appears to the Grama Panchayat that the danger from a building or tree which is ruinous or about to fall is imminent, it may , before the period of notice expires, fence off, pull down, lop or cut down, secure or repair the said building or tree, as the case may be, or take such steps as may be required to arrest danger.(3)Any expenses incurred by the Grama Panchayat in this behalf may be recovered from the owner or occupier of the building or tree, as the case may be, as if it was a tax imposed under section 199.(4)The Grama Panchayat shall issue a notice under sub-section (1) after giving the owner or occupier, as the case may be, a reasonable opportunity of stating any objection, adducing evidence, if any, and after being satisfied that the objection which is raised is invalid or insufficient.
