Illegal building demolition drive in Kolkata kicks off on October 30

Commencing on October 30, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) buildings department is set to initiate a special operation aimed at dismantling unlawfully constructed buildings. This decision comes in response to numerous complaints from various areas within the city, according to Constrofacilitator.

An official from the KMC buildings department revealed that certain real estate developers have taken advantage of the festive season to engage in the construction of illegal structures. In light of the complaints received from concerned citizens in specific neighbourhoods, the civic authorities have scheduled a demolition campaign for the early part of the upcoming week.

Constrofacilitator sources within the KMC indicate that the operation will need to cover several regions, including Behala, the Garden Reach-Kidderpore area, Dum Dum-Cossipore neighborhoods, and areas along the EM Bypass. Nevertheless, a senior official from the KMC buildings department acknowledged that the number of illegally constructed buildings during this year's festivities is lower than in previous years.

The KMC is perplexed as to how some developers proceeded with illegal construction, particularly after the civic administration had issued a warning ahead of the festive season. The department had distributed a list of areas to its officials and local police stations to take precautionary measures, but unauthorised construction still occurred. Investigations are underway to address such cases of unlawful building projects.

Civic officials stressed the importance of reducing the number of illegal buildings to protect prospective flat buyers who are often deceived by unscrupulous developers. They encouraged citizens to report complaints to the KMC buildings department or their local police stations, highlighting that some residents had enquired about the legality of construction projects to ensure they had the necessary details before investing.