KOLKATA: On Monday, the state government issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for builders, requiring them to complete a three-page application form detailing project sanctions, permit numbers, and essential personnel involved.
Major developers in Kolkata have welcomed this decentralized approach, as they now need to submit forms to relevant borough offices rather than the civic headquarters. Projects located in Salt Lake, New Town, and Rajarhat will submit their documentation to the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation. In contrast, those in Howrah and Bally will direct theirs to the Howrah Municipal Corporation. Additionally, projects in municipalities like Pujali, Baruipur, Budge Budge, Maheshtala, and others are required to adhere to similar submission protocols.
The form mandates information regarding the plot owner, the applicant undertaking the construction, and relevant technical personnel, such as the LBS/architect, structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, structural reviewer, labour contractor, material supplier, and site engineer. It also requests details about land characteristics, project nature, principal occupancy, along with permit and sanction information.
“Following form submission, borough teams will conduct site inspections. The developer will be informed in advance to ensure that key personnel are available during these inspections,” a source reported.
Officials from Credai, which represents major developers in vital residential markets like Kolkata, Salt Lake, New Town, and Howrah, stated that all members should submit their forms by Tuesday to facilitate prompt site evaluations, aiming to resume project work swiftly.
“As long-term partners with the government in the disciplined and responsible growth of the city, we fully support the administration’s efforts to prevent incidents like the Taratala warehouse collapse. We appreciate the government’s initiative to form a high-level committee to investigate this event and suggest preventive measures for the future. Credai Kolkata is committed to offering its full cooperation to the committee’s forthcoming safety-quality audit for under-construction buildings,” reads an official Credai statement.
Credai West Bengal president Sushil Mohta emphasized that developers are prepared to assist with the inspection process and ensure the presence of relevant technical personnel to address inquiries from municipal teams. “The government’s meeting with Credai on Sunday indicates the urgency of completing the audit. The forms were delivered to us promptly on Monday afternoon. We hope to effectively address any questions and expedite project approvals, allowing work to recommence,” he added.
