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The Kamarhati Municipality has ordered the demolition of 57 unauthorized buildings in Belgharia-Kamarhati after safety inspections revealed structural risks. FIRs have been filed against 17 builders for violating construction laws, while authorities identified multiple tilting buildings in areas like Sasthitala, MacKenzie Road, and Ariadaha. The crackdown follows the near-collapse of a structure in Baghajatin, raising public safety concerns. Residents demand rehabilitation, criticizing officials for inaction against promoters. The municipality is exploring resettlement options, but enforcement measures are expected to tighten to prevent future illegal constructions in the area.
The Kamarhati Municipality has taken significant steps to address the issue of unauthorized multi-storey buildings in the Belgharia-Kamarhati area. Last week, authorities ordered the immediate demolition of approximately 57 illegal structures following recent safety inspections that revealed several buildings were tilting dangerously. This decision comes in the wake of growing public concern over the safety of these constructions, particularly after a nearly collapsed building in Baghajatin highlighted the risks associated with such developments. Advertisement
The municipality's actions were prompted by inspections in various localities, including Sasthitala, MacKenzie Road, Prafulla Nagar, Ariadaha, Sahid Colony, and Deshpriye Nagar. Kamarhati Municipality chairman Gopal Saha confirmed that FIRs have been filed against the owners and promoters of 17 of these illegal buildings. He noted that these structures were constructed without the necessary approvals, which raises serious safety hazards for residents and nearby communities.Saha stated that notices had been issued to identify illegal constructions, and demolitions were being carried out to ensure public safety.
The situation escalated after officials discovered an under-construction five-storey building in Dhobia Bagan leaning precariously toward an adjacent property. This discovery led to urgent discussions about public safety and the need for immediate action. A senior official from the buildings department emphasized that demolition orders are typically a last resort, used only in extreme cases where public safety is at risk.
Residents of the affected buildings have expressed their distress over the situation. Many have invested their life savings into these properties and are now facing the prospect of eviction without adequate support.Tamal Chakraborty, a resident of Sasthitala, criticized the authorities for not taking earlier action against promoters who built illegal structures. Another resident, Suranjana Bose, stated that after living there for six years, they would not leave until a proper rehabilitation plan was in place.
The Kamarhati Municipality has acknowledged the residents' concerns and is exploring options for rehabilitation. However, the process may take time, as the municipality must ensure that all legal and safety protocols are followed. As this situation unfolds, it underscores the broader issue of unauthorized construction in urban areas, which often leads to safety hazards and legal challenges. Local authorities are urged to strengthen enforcement measures to prevent such illegal developments in the future.
The Kamarhati case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to building regulations and the need for public awareness regarding the risks associated with unauthorized constructions. As the municipality continues its efforts to address these issues, it remains to be seen how they will balance the need for safety with the rights and needs of the residents affected by these demolitions.
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