Kolkata, August 6: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari issued a warning on Thursday regarding a live inquiry into 27 buildings found to have irregularities across Kolkata. This announcement follows a meeting with a delegation from the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI).
Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul stated that after an audit, approvals have been granted for 193 stalled construction projects. However, significant discrepancies were identified in the 27 buildings in question.
Paul emphasized that promoters involved in illegal construction would face penalties. He noted that officials present during the meeting warned that responsible promoters and officials would be brought before the media for questioning.
“The Chief Minister has ordered a special program to be organized, inviting the media. Those accused of illegal construction will be presented there and held accountable in public. Not only the promoters but all government officials who overlooked regulations will also have to answer publicly,” Paul said.
He assured that the government does not wish to harm real estate builders but will not allow incidents like the Taratala disaster to occur due to illegal construction.
Paul pointed out that in several areas, including Kolkata and Baranagar, approvals for four-story buildings have led to constructions reaching up to seven stories. Notices have already been sent to 27 operators involved in such violations.
Of the stalled projects, approvals have been granted to resume work on 193 buildings. Moving forward, mandatory soil testing, structural audits, and plan verifications will be required for construction.
A special task force and a high-level investigation committee, chaired by PWLD Secretary Antara Acharya, have already been established to oversee this process.
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