KOLKATA: In response to the Shamsul Huda Road building collapse, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is initiating a comprehensive campaign to demolish unsafe and decrepit buildings throughout the city. The KMC Buildings Department plans to use specific powers to demolish structures posing risks to both residents and pedestrians.
An official from the KMC Buildings Department disclosed that assistance will be sought through an express order—authorized under section 411(4) of the KMC Buildings Rule—allowing the civic body to dismantle unsecured portions of dilapidated structures deemed irreparable. A prior survey identified buildings vulnerable to collapse, particularly during heavy rainfall.
“We have identified approximately 300 buildings that endanger public safety. Currently, we are closely monitoring over 150 of these structures, as portions must be demolished without delay,” the official stated.
These deteriorating buildings are distributed across Boroughs I to IX, with the highest concentration found in Cossipore, Burtolla, Burrabazar, Rabindra Sarani, Pathuriaghata, Beadon Street, Chittaranjan Avenue, College Street, Amherst Street, Ripon Street, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, Park Circus, Topsia, and Ballygunge. “It is imperative that we evacuate several at-risk houses in these areas to prevent potential accidents, especially during the monsoon season,” the official added.
Over the past few years, more than 60 unsafe buildings have collapsed, resulting in fatalities among both residents and bystanders. “The nature of the Shamsul Huda Road incident raises concerns. Our engineers typically assess the exterior of buildings to assign an insecurity tag based on structural safety. However, the Shamsul Huda structure appeared sound from the outside, which led to a lack of scrutiny regarding its internal stability,” noted another civic official.
The KMC Buildings Department is also encouraging owners of these structures to reconstruct after demolition. A senior official mentioned that under section 412(A), the civic body would provide an increased Floor Area Ratio (FAR) to owners, facilitating the accommodation of existing tenants.
“We urge owners of dilapidated buildings to embrace this unique scheme to protect tenants from the constant threat of collapse,” the official emphasized.
The pressing necessity for the reconstruction of these dangerous buildings has become evident, particularly as tenants and residents in the Burrabazar area have repeatedly sought authorization for urgent repairs due to owners being unapproachable for essential fixes. This issue has escalated following numerous collapses in neighborhoods like Ahiritolla, Rabindra Sarani, and Pathuriaghata over the past three years.
