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The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has launched an urgent demolition drive targeting structurally unsafe and hazardous buildings across the city to protect public safety and prevent potential collapses. The action follows engineering assessments and multiple notices issued to property owners whose structures were found to be at risk due to poor maintenance, structural defects or unauthorised alterations. Under the drive, identified buildings are being cordoned off and demolition work initiated where necessary, with rescue and traffic management measures in place to ensure safety. KMC officials have called on landlords and residents to cooperate and complete demolition or repairs within specified timelines, emphasising that timely intervention is critical to safeguard lives and urban resilience.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has initiated a focused demolition drive against buildings deemed structurally unsafe or hazardous, in a bid to enhance public safety and reduce the risk of accidental collapses in densely populated city areas. The initiative, described by civic authorities as urgent and necessary, targets properties that have been flagged through technical surveys, engineering assessments and repeated inspections. Advertisement
Over recent months, KMC's engineering teams have conducted structural evaluations of ageing and deteriorating buildings across several wards of the city. Properties exhibiting severe cracks, foundational issues, exposed reinforcement, water damage or other critical defects were formally identified as high risk. Owners of such buildings were served notices requiring them to undertake immediate repairs, retrofit strengthening measures or, where necessary, proceed with demolition to avoid danger to occupants and neighbouring structures.
Despite issuing multiple notices and extensions, many landlords failed to initiate corrective work within the stipulated timelines. In response, the municipal body has now begun demolition operations at selected sites, deploying specialised equipment and demolition crews while ensuring public safety protocols are strictly followed.
Under the drive, affected buildings are being cordoned off to prevent unauthorized access, and traffic management teams have been deployed to regulate movement in surrounding areas. Civic officials have also coordinated with emergency response units to remain on standby during demolition work. In cases where residents remain on site, temporary shelter and relocation support are being facilitated as per KMC procedures.
KMC commissioners emphasised that the demolition drive is guided by a public safety mandate rather than punitive intent. Our first priority is to protect lives and maintain the structural health of our city, a senior KMC official said. Unsafe buildings pose a serious risk not only to their occupants but to the entire neighbourhood if left unaddressed.
Residents and community groups in affected localities have expressed cautious support for the measures, noting that proactive intervention is preferable to reacting after catastrophic failure. At the same time, many have urged property owners to be more vigilant about maintenance and compliance to avoid such drastic steps.
The KMC has also urged property owners throughout Kolkata to undertake regular structural assessments and engage certified engineers for periodic checks. Officials reiterated that cooperation with municipal directives and timely risk mitigation actions will help avert future hazards and strengthen urban resilience across the city.
As the drive progresses, authorities expect to cover additional high-risk structures in coming weeks, reinforcing a broader citywide programme to address ageing infrastructure and improve living conditions for residents.
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