Tag: Kolkata

IndustryLatest Stories

West Bengal CM: Don’t Rush to Demolish Illegal Buildings

KOLKATA: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has urged the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s buildings department to avoid rushing into demolitions without prior notification, allowing those affected adequate time to defend their cases. During an interactive session with various municipal officials on Saturday evening, Adhikari underscored the need for careful consideration when addressing illegal constructions in the city. The Chief Minister advised KMC’s senior buildings officials to approach the demolition of structures inhabited by economically disadvantaged individuals cautiously, particularly where residents have purchased flats or built homes that do not significantly breach KMC regulations. Adhikari expressed his concerns in a meeting after the…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Buyers Can’t Legalize Illegal Construction, Says Calcutta HC

KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court has upheld the demolition of the fourth floor of a building under Howrah Municipal Corporation, stating that flat owners cannot demand the legalization of unauthorized construction solely based on their financial investment in that floor. The case was brought forth by the owners of a flat on the top floor, who petitioned the division bench of Justices Debangsu Basak and Reetobroto Kumar Mitra for urgent consideration on Sunday. The division bench noted that landowners were notified by the Howrah Municipal Corporation, which conducted an evaluation of the legality of the structure. “There is no evidence…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Calcutta HC Halts Tiljala, Kasba Building Demolition for a Month

KOLKATA: On Friday, the Calcutta High Court put a temporary hold on demolition notices issued to several buildings in Tiljala and Kasba for the next 30 days. The court has instructed the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to conduct a hearing that includes both unauthorized building owners and their tenants. “In the event of a demolition notice for unauthorized constructions, both tenants/occupants and building owners must be given a chance to be heard,” the High Court stated while maintaining ‘status quo’ in a series of cases challenging the KMC’s demolition orders. The KMC commissioner has been mandated to provide an opportunity…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Kolkata sets May 27 deadline for illegal building hearings

KOLKATA: The KMC has set a deadline of May 27 for those who received new illegal building notices in the last 24 hours. On Sunday, six under-construction buildings faced demolition, while several structures in Tiljala, Beleghata, and Kasba were declared illegal and received KMC hearing notices. Some of these notices were issued to buildings already occupied by residents. Residents of Elite Primo on G J Khan Road in Tiljala protested, claiming the developer misled them about the properties’ legality. Five buildings, including a restaurant in Beleghata, received similar notices. The Tiljala-Topsia area falls within the ‘Red Zone’ for alleged illegal…

IndustryLatest Stories

Kolkata Civic Body Targets Buildings for Demolition

KOLKATA: The municipal authorities have issued demolition notices for several buildings in Tiljala and Beleghata, giving residents just 48 hours to vacate what have been termed “unauthorised” properties. Many residents, who settled in these buildings over the last 15 years, face the anxiety of sudden displacement, particularly since the developers are currently uncontactable. Residents from the affected buildings in Tiljala protested on GJ Khan Road, claiming they were misled by the developer into believing the properties were legitimate. “Today, a notice was posted on our building, yet the developer’s phone is switched off. Where are we supposed to go with…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

West Bengal Minister Urges Civic Bodies to List Illegal Buildings

KOLKATA: Following the tragic Tiljala factory fire that resulted in two fatalities last week, the urban development and municipal affairs department has mandated the KMC, all municipal corporations, and municipalities to adhere strictly to legal regulations concerning unauthorized constructions. Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul stated, “I have instructed my department to communicate with all municipal areas where illegal structures are present. We are sending letters to civic bodies requesting information on the number of such structures, the reasons for their construction, and the measures taken to prevent further unauthorized buildings.” The department has tasked local authorities with compiling a report…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Kolkata Metro Orange Line Extension to Sector V by Dec 2026

Kolkata Metro KOLKATA: Metro Railway plans to extend Orange Line services to the IT Centre station at Sector V by December. Currently, services on the New Garia-Airport corridor operate between New Garia and Beleghata station at the Metropolitan, with work commencing on a critical 366m gap in the viaduct at Chingrighata crossing starting Friday, according to officials. “We are optimistic that train operations may commence between Metropolitan and Sector V by December 2026. The state is facilitating the permissions needed to complete all outstanding metro work,” stated S S Kannan, CPRO of Metro Railway, on Thursday. “The long-awaited project at…

Latest StoriesResidential

Kolkata: Salt Lake Residents Receive Property Tax Bills

KOLKATA: The Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has commenced dispatching property tax bills for the year 2026-27 to households in Salt Lake. Taxpayers can benefit from a 5% tax rebate (excluding any arrears) if payments are made by the due date. For those who have not settled their past dues from the previous financial year, a 10% penalty along with 10% interest applies to the total overdue amount as of March 31. Tax payments can be made online at www.bmcwbgov.in using debit or credit cards, net banking, or through the Bharat Bill Payment System. Physical payments can also be made at…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

ED Raids Kolkata’s Merlin Group in PMLA Case

KOLKATA: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated fresh searches on Friday as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation into Merlin Group, a Kolkata-based real estate company, and related entities, according to officials. This recent action follows previous raids conducted by the agency on April 8 targeting Merlin Projects Limited and its promoters, Sushil Mohta and Saket Mohta. Officials indicated that 4-5 locations in Kolkata and the North 24 Parganas district are being searched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as part of the investigation. The Merlin Group has stated that it is cooperating with the ED and maintains…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

ED Investigates Financial Ties of Kolkata’s Merlin Group

KOLKATA | NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced on Thursday that it is probing potential financial connections between a Kolkata real estate firm and several politicians and government officials in West Bengal as part of a money laundering investigation. Following raids at seven locations tied to the Merlin Group (Merlin Projects Limited) and its founders Sushil Mohta and Saket Mohta, investigators seized certain “incriminating” digital devices and documents. The company has stated it is fully cooperating with the investigation and maintains that all of its transactions are transparent. “Merlin Group is aware of the ongoing inquiry by the Enforcement…