KOLKATA: The high-power committee established by the government to audit ongoing high-rise construction projects following the Taratala warehouse collapse has approved just 11 out of 136 assessed projects so far. The remainder is stalled due to non-compliance with labor registration and orientation requirements.
A total of 344 projects are currently being reviewed. The Bengal government and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) ordered an immediate halt to all construction on June 24-25 after the warehouse incident that resulted in 16 fatalities. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that construction would resume only after thorough audits of the projects.
KMC Commissioner and Administrator Smita Pandey announced on Monday that out of the 344 high-rise buildings under scrutiny—approved in the past three years—200 have submitted required detailed forms. Sixteen expert teams, each representing a borough, have conducted field assessments at 136 sites, and 11 have received clearance to proceed with construction. Pandey noted that the halting of other projects is due to issues flagged by the labor sub-committee that require resolution.
Labor department officials, who are part of each audit team alongside representatives from various KMC departments, including buildings, water supply, drainage, fire brigade, PWD, CESC, and Kolkata Police, are evaluating labor facilities at these sites. Inspections cover workers’ housing, sanitation, drinking water availability, safety equipment like helmets and harnesses, securing construction equipment to prevent accidents during adverse weather, lightning conductors on tower cranes, and adherence to safety protocols.
Sources have indicated that mandatory labor license registration, which is required when more than 20 contract workers are employed, is often neglected. Developers frequently shift this responsibility to labor contractors, who reportedly understate worker numbers to evade paying provident fund contributions and fulfilling other legal obligations.
“Developers contribute a labor cess to KMC based on project valuation, but there’s a lack of communication between KMC and the labor department. Additionally, there’s a significant issue with the licensing of labor contractors and supervisors. While many developers may now comply with labor license registration, it won’t necessarily enhance construction safety,” noted an architect.
A Credai representative stated that it will encourage all developers to comply with labor laws and complete labor license registrations promptly to facilitate project approvals and resume construction.
