In a bid to combat the persistent issue of water body encroachments and illegal filling, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has implemented a proactive strategy, mandating swift action by its engineers upon receiving complaints.
Under this revamped protocol, KMC engineers, spearheading committees across all 16 boroughs, are tasked with initiating FIRs within 24 hours of encroachment or illegal filling allegations. Each of the 16 committees comprises KMC engineers responsible for the respective boroughs, officials from the state government’s land and land reforms department, and local police station officers. The committees are slated to convene monthly to assess and address water body encroachment concerns across Kolkata.
This decentralised approach aims to expedite action against illegal activities while fostering greater involvement of public representatives in the decision-making process. By empowering borough chairpersons to head these committees, the KMC aims to streamline communication channels and enhance transparency in the enforcement of regulatory measures. Previously, bureaucratic delays impeded swift action as all matters were referred to the KMC headquarters. However, the new directive seeks to circumvent such inefficiencies by empowering local authorities to proactively address encroachment issues within their jurisdictions.
The decision to form these committees follows the tragic collapse of an under-construction building in Garden Reach’s Azhar Molla Bagan, underscoring the urgent need for stringent enforcement measures to safeguard water bodies. Residents allege that the collapsed building was erected after illegally filling a pond, highlighting the dire consequences of unchecked encroachment. An investigative committee appointed by the KMC revealed that a portion of the plot where the building stood was still designated as a pond in government records, underscoring the need for stringent enforcement of land use regulations. Furthermore, the KMC is actively pursuing initiatives to ensure proper maintenance of water bodies, even on privately owned land. Complaints regarding the neglect of water bodies prompt KMC intervention, compelling owners to undertake clean-up activities or face financial penalties for non-compliance.
Moreover, to incentivise community involvement in water body maintenance, the KMC has floated tenders inviting cooperatives to engage in pisciculture activities. However, despite these efforts, uptake remains limited, with only a fraction of the targeted water bodies finding interested bidders. KMC’s proactive stance towards water body protection underscores its commitment to environmental preservation and public health while promoting community engagement in sustainable conservation efforts. Through streamlined regulatory frameworks and swift enforcement measures, Kolkata endeavours to safeguard its invaluable water resources for future generations.
