Kolkata, May 24: Following the announcement of a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against illegal constructions by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has begun issuing notices for violations across various locations.
On Sunday, KMC officials conducted raids in six areas of Kolkata to demolish illegal structures. The demolitions began in Tiljala, Kasba, and Beliaghata, with heavy security measures in place to prevent any untoward incidents.
According to KMC officials, each of the three structures being demolished is linked to a local Trinamool leader. Raju Naskar, a Trinamool leader, is associated with the illegal construction in Beliaghata. Reports suggest that a local councilor and a borough chairman are also involved in the other two constructions. However, all three have denied any connection to the illegal buildings.
Allegations have surfaced that multi-story buildings were erected in violation of KMC-approved plans, with construction still ongoing in two blocks.
Speaking to reporters, KMC Commissioner Smita Pandey stated that the operation to demolish illegal constructions is underway at six locations. Notices have already been issued in several cases, while some are pending in court. “Wherever there are no legal impediments, we are proceeding with the demolition,” she added.
The KMC has assured that all necessary precautions have been taken to avoid any unpleasant incidents, with police and central forces securing the entire area.
A few days prior, the KMC had identified illegal constructions in Tiljala, Kasba, and Beliaghata and issued notices under Section 400(1) of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, 1980. This section allows the municipal commissioner to order the demolition of any illegal part of a house or any construction done without a plan. However, the KMC must send a notice to the property owner before proceeding with demolition.
Officials confirmed that the property owners were informed about the violations. The notice stated that if the owner did not demolish the illegal construction themselves, the KMC would take action accordingly.
Notices posted outside the construction sites indicated that KMC officials had inspected the locations in December and deemed them illegal. Questions remain as to why construction was not halted at that time.
Minister Agnimitra Paul stated that the process of identifying illegal constructions has begun. Those responsible for erecting these illegal buildings will face punitive action. Furthermore, KMC officials and employees responsible for these violations will not be spared. An investigation will be conducted into how these illegal structures were allowed to be built and whether the KMC or previous ministers overlooked them.
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