Kolkata's Mayor, Firhad Hakim, has issued a stern warning to officials and engineers of the buildings department over ongoing illegal constructions. Building department officials face immediate suspension if they fail to report or act against unauthorized constructions within their jurisdictions. The mayor has also ordered the creation of a central demolition team to tackle this issue. The warning underscores the city's determination to curb illegal construction activities, promoting safety and integrity in the cityscape.
In a recent development, Firhad Hakim, the mayor of Kolkata, has put the director-general of the buildings department
and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) engineers on notice. His stern warning focused on the ongoing issue of
unauthorized constructions, calling for more rigorous enforcement or facing potential suspensions.
Mayor Hakim issued a clear warning to the buildings department officials, including assistant and sub-assistant
engineers across various boroughs. He clarified that failure to report or take action against unsanctioned constructions
in their jurisdictions could lead to immediate suspensions without a prior show-cause notice.
This move comes as a response to the growing concerns about illegal constructions, which are reportedly taking place
under the watch of law enforcement officers. These illicit activities have not only put a strain on the city's
infrastructure but also raised significant safety concerns.
In a directive issued by municipal commissioner Binod Kumar, it was explicitly stated that engineers at all levels must
remain vigilant against illegal constructions in their respective boroughs. The circular also emphasized that any laxity
or avoidance of responsibility concerning illegal constructions will not be tolerated.
Mayor Hakim further instructed the director-general to enforce a stricter policy against KMC engineers found
complicit in these activities. He highlighted the need for an immediate stop-work notice whenever an illegal
construction is identified. This notice should also be copied to the local police station, allowing law enforcement to
monitor any ongoing activities by the violators.
In addition, Hakim pointed out the importance of senior officials being informed promptly if the promoter continues to
carry out illegal construction, even after being served a notice. Failure to act timely or negligence in duties could result
in suspensions, with the municipal commissioner having the authority to issue such orders.
Recently, reports of illegal constructions near Park Circus and Ballygunge reached the mayor, indicating the severity
of the issue. Some junior officers in the buildings department are allegedly hesitant to act against influential
promoters, often not informing the police about these unlawful activities. However, it has also been noted that law
enforcement sometimes overlooks these infractions.
To address this situation, Mayor Hakim announced that a central demolition team will be established at the civic
headquarters. This team will be monitored by senior officials to oversee the demolition process of illegal buildings. If
necessary, the municipal commissioner will liaise directly with the police commissioner to ensure law enforcement's
active participation.
In conclusion, this crackdown on unauthorized construction aims to maintain Kolkata's cityscape's integrity and safety.
It underscores the need for all relevant parties, from engineers to law enforcement, to uphold their duties vigilantly.
Mayor Hakim's firm stance sends a clear message: unauthorized construction will not be tolerated, and those who turn
a blind eye will face severe consequences.
This story was first published in ET Realty
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