KOLKATA: West Bengal’s government has formed a committee to conduct a special audit of sanctioned plans for high-rise residential and commercial buildings in and around Kolkata. This initiative was disclosed by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, explaining that the committee will meet on Friday to start this important task.
In response to the recent warehouse collapse that resulted in 11 fatalities, the Chief Minister ordered a thorough audit of all commercial projects currently under construction that received approval from the former TMC administration.
Work on these projects has been suspended until July 31, as per Adhikari’s directive.
Adhikari reiterated that construction could resume once plans and structures are deemed satisfactory after the audit.
During a press briefing, Adhikari mentioned that the committee would be led by senior officer Rajesh Pandey, incorporating officials from various departments and experts from RITES and IIT Kharagpur.
He specified that the suspension isn’t a blanket ban; construction can resume once a particular project or ward passes the audit. “We don’t aim to halt urban development but to ensure public safety,” he stated.
This dedicated audit, prompted by a series of building collapses in the state, will assess the plans of all high-rise residential and commercial buildings in designated areas and include physical inspections to ensure compliance with approved designs and safety standards.
The initial focus will cover the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, Rajarhat-New Town, Kalyani, Baruipur, Budge Budge, Maheshtala, and Rajpur-Sonarpur. Other regions, including South Dum Dum, Kamarhati, Baranagar, and parts of Howrah Corporation, are also included.
However, projects like Metro Railway works and National Highways will be exempt from this audit process, according to the CM.
According to Adhikari, projects will fall into three categories post-inspection: rejection, rectification, or clearance. Projects with significant violations will be rejected, while those needing design or construction adjustments will be directed to rectify them. Projects that comply will receive immediate clearance to proceed.
Routine renovations and repairs for existing buildings will not be included in the audit’s scope.
Additionally, the committee has been assigned an extra 90 days to audit fire safety systems, such as lightning arresters, in high-rise and commercial properties. They will also evaluate firefighting infrastructure and fire licenses.
Furthermore, the government will conduct an audit of water bodies in identified urban areas. Adhikari mentioned that construction sites must avoid stagnant water to combat mosquito breeding and other public safety concerns.
Major real estate developers have been urged to provide food and temporary shelter for migrant workers impacted by the audit process.
Adhikari called on architects, planners, supervisors, and related professionals to report any illegal building approvals or corruption to the authorities.
“The government will investigate every complaint,” he promised.
On the ongoing rescue operation at the site of the collapse, Adhikari noted that the National Disaster Response Force anticipated the operation’s completion by Friday night, weather permitting.
