KOLKATA: In a significant development for owners and developers of buildings up to five stories (G+4) and high-rise projects in Kolkata, the KMC has revised a notification issued last Friday, allowing the resumption of construction for five-storey structures and enabling high-rise projects to finish essential safety work without restrictions.
Since June 24, all construction activities were suspended due to the tragic collapse of an under-construction warehouse in Taratala, resulting in the deaths of 16 workers. Following this incident, the government halted further construction and mandated a safety audit for all projects. The following day, both the Chief Minister and the Urban Development Minister confirmed that buildings up to five stories (G+4) were exempt from the construction ban.
However, a KMC notification dated June 26 imposed a blanket ban on all constructions, including low-rise or G+4 buildings.
After numerous complaints from owners who were unable to proceed with construction, repairs, or renovations on buildings up to five stories—despite being outside the suspension guidelines—the KMC issued a new notification on July 3. This update exempted G+4 buildings and crucial safety work for high-rise projects from needing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the state-appointed high-powered committee responsible for assessing the safety of under-construction projects. Nevertheless, projects in the exempt category were still required to seek approval from the municipal commissioner’s office to proceed.
Developers and builders argued that this requirement created unnecessary delays, especially as the monsoon approached and safety-critical work needed prompt completion. In response, the KMC modified the notification on Tuesday to eliminate the necessity for municipal commissioner approval.
Construction engineers noted that essential safety work encompasses sheet piling, stabilizing excavations, dewatering, and installing bracing systems—particularly in cases where excavation for basements or foundations had already begun. This is vital to prevent soil collapse and protect neighboring properties. Furthermore, all buildings up to five stories with valid approval can continue with construction, emergency repairs, and maintenance.
A KMC buildings department official acknowledged that borough offices had received numerous inquiries from owners of standalone low-rise buildings and project developers, conveying their concerns up the chain at KMC headquarters.
Developers of large projects and structural engineers repeatedly emphasized that halting such work mid-project could lead to significant safety risks. The Licensed Building Surveyors Association raised concerns about potential excavation failures, foundation instability, and risks to adjoining buildings and infrastructure if essential construction tasks were left incomplete. “These exemptions for safety-critical activities are designed to enforce safety measures during the construction suspension and prevent hazards on construction sites or nearby properties,” a civic official stated.
Credai West Bengal president Sushil Mohta praised the revised KMC notification, which allows renovations of existing buildings and emergency work for ensuring the safety of nearby structures and preventing waterlogging.
