KOLKATA: Following the tragic Tiljala factory fire that resulted in two fatalities last week, the urban development and municipal affairs department has mandated the KMC, all municipal corporations, and municipalities to adhere strictly to legal regulations concerning unauthorized constructions.
Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul stated, “I have instructed my department to communicate with all municipal areas where illegal structures are present. We are sending letters to civic bodies requesting information on the number of such structures, the reasons for their construction, and the measures taken to prevent further unauthorized buildings.”
The department has tasked local authorities with compiling a report on unauthorized constructions within their jurisdictions and submitting it within two weeks. Additionally, local bodies are directed to issue notices to violators and halt any ongoing work on these structures.
The recent directive emphasized that the department frequently receives complaints regarding illegal constructions. It urged local bodies to issue notices if they identify any unauthorized structures under various provisions of the municipal and KMC acts, and to take appropriate legal action. It is crucial that these bodies do not permit deviations from approved plans for residential buildings and that they verify sanctioned building plans and completion certificates before issuing mutation certificates.
The directive also reminded that individuals violating building regulations could face imprisonment of up to five years and fines of ₹50,000. Paul further stated that the department will review all cases and may permit minor deviations in building plans for structures lacking no-objection certificates (NOCs) to be rectified.
