In a strategic move to curb the rampant issue of unauthorised constructions, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has unveiled a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) tailored for swift detection and demolition processes.
This groundbreaking initiative comes as a proactive measure to uphold regulatory compliance and maintain urban integrity within the city. Outlined within a 10-point framework, the SOP mandates a proactive approach by KMC officials, particularly sub-assistant engineers, who are tasked with daily field inspections to identify unauthorised structures. Upon detection, stringent measures are set in motion, starting with the issuance of a ‘stop work’ notice under Section 40I of the KMC Act, 1980, alongside notifying the respective police station for immediate intervention.
Furthermore, the SOP underscores the crucial role of assistant engineers in overseeing the process, ensuring meticulous preparation of Demolition-Sketch Plans (D-sketch Plans) and prompt filing of FIRs under Section 401A of the KMC Act, 1980, in cases of non-compliance. Acknowledging potential delays, the municipal commissioner holds authority to escalate unresolved matters to the police commissioner, emphasising a swift resolution timeline of 15 days for pending notices under Section 401 of the KMC Act, 1980, from issuance. In a forward-looking stance, the KMC contemplates augmenting its regulatory arsenal by incorporating Sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, pending state Assembly amendments, as revealed by Mayor Firhad Hakim. This proactive stance by the KMC not only signifies a robust commitment to urban governance but also underscores a paradigm shift towards proactive regulatory enforcement, promising a more regulated urban landscape for Kolkata’s residents.
