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Kolkata: NKDA to take action against residential buildings misusing space for commercial purposes

#Law & Policy#India#West Bengal#Kolkata
Last Updated : 13th Jan, 2025
Synopsis

The New Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has identified over 1,000 residential buildings in New Town suspected of exceeding space limits or misusing areas for commercial activities without permission. Complaints from local residents, including noise disturbances from late-night events, have prompted the authorities to act. The NKDA plans to conduct surveys to compile a list of such buildings, followed by penalties for property owners. According to regulations, 40% of the floor area can be used commercially, but without proper clearance, property owners could face legal action.

The New Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has discovered that more than 1,000 residential buildings across New Town are suspected of violating space usage rules. Many of these properties are believed to be using more space than allowed or converting their residential areas into commercial spaces, like restaurants and event venues, without the necessary permissions. Complaints from residents about the disturbances caused by loud noise and music from these premises late into the night have led to increased scrutiny.


An NKDA official shared that it has been observed that some property owners are entirely converting their residential properties into commercial establishments such as restaurants or social event venues. In some cases, they are exceeding the allowed space for commercial activities without valid permission. As a result, the NKDA plans to carry out surveys to compile a list of such properties and take corrective measures.

The authorities will conduct block-wise field inspections to determine the precise number of buildings involved and issue notices to the property owners. These inspections are part of a broader effort to ensure that the building rules are being followed.

There are penalties outlined in the building rules for property owners who do not comply with the regulations. According to the existing rules, only 40% of the total floor area in residential buildings in New Town is allowed for commercial use. However, up to 60 types of pollution-free activities can be carried out in these areas once they have been approved for commercial conversion. To convert a residential property into a commercial one, owners are required to pay INR 80 per square foot.

In 2018, the NKDA also introduced a provision allowing residents of individual houses to open food joints on the ground floor, provided they pay a nominal fee for permission. This move was intended to support local businesses, but the recent crackdown suggests that some property owners may have taken advantage of this leniency.

The NKDA's crackdown on residential buildings misusing space for commercial purposes aims to restore order and enforce regulations in New Town. By conducting surveys and issuing penalties, the authorities hope to curb the unchecked conversion of residential properties into commercial ventures. The rules clearly define how much space can be used for commercial purposes, and this action serves as a reminder for property owners to follow the established procedures. This move will likely have broader implications for urban planning and the balance between residential and commercial developments in the area.

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