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The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has approved a rare building plan for a 410 sq ft plot, relaxing its usual minimum requirement of 720 sq ft. This decision, made during a mayor-in-council meeting, aims to prevent unauthorised construction on small plots. The move follows an appeal from a landowner on Middle Road, with similar cases pending across multiple wards. To regulate small-plot construction, the KMC is considering a broader policy change, initially covering colony and thika land. The proposed amendment will allow construction on plots between 350 sq ft and 2,100 sq ft, provided owners hire professionals and adhere to safety norms.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has taken a significant step by approving a building plan for construction on a 410 sq ft plot, a notable departure from the usual minimum requirement of 720 sq ft (1 cottah). This decision was made during a mayor-in-council (MiC) meeting, where the authorities acknowledged the challenges faced by owners of small plots who struggle to get building approvals due to strict open-space regulations. Advertisement
Typically, constructing a building on such a small plot is nearly impossible since the mandatory open-space requirements leave little room for actual construction. However, in an effort to curb unauthorised structures, the KMC has chosen to relax these rules in select cases. The move aligns with an earlier announcement by the mayor, who had emphasised the need for flexibility to prevent illegal construction on small plots.
During the meeting, officials reviewed the case of a landowner on Middle Road (at the intersection of Garfa and Survey Park), who had applied for approval to build a two-storey structure on a 10-chhatak (410 sq ft) plot. Considering the owner's difficulties, the KMC decided to make an exception. Local councillor Tarakeswar Chakraborty, who advocated for the owner, pointed out that at least six other similar plots across three wards are also awaiting approvals. He expressed his willingness to assist these plot owners in getting their building plans sanctioned.
The KMC's buildings department, which has been grappling with a surge in unsafe and illegal constructions, is now considering amending its building regulations to provide official exemptions for small plots. Initially, this policy will be applied to colony and thika land, with a potential citywide expansion if it proves effective.
Under the proposed relaxation, plot sizes ranging from 350 sq ft to 2,100 sq ft will be eligible for construction approvals, provided the owners work with a qualified architect or structural engineer and submit a detailed plan. Additionally, the foundation must be laid under the supervision of a KMC-empanelled structural engineer to ensure safety.
A KMC official confirmed that a draft incorporating these rule changes is being prepared and will soon be sent to the state municipal affairs department for approval. The official also noted that many plot owners hesitate to comply with regulations due to the size of their land, which often results in poorly constructed buildings. There are concerns that promoters might exploit these relaxed norms by using substandard materials, highlighting the need for strict oversight.
The KMC's decision to ease building restrictions for small plots reflects its attempt to balance urban development with safety concerns. By formalising these relaxations, the civic body hopes to bring unregulated constructions under legal oversight, reducing the risk of unsafe buildings. However, ensuring compliance with safety guidelines and preventing misuse by developers remains a challenge. If successful, this policy could pave the way for similar reforms in other densely populated urban areas.
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