In the wake of the recent building collapse incident in Garden Reach, the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has initiated a proactive strategy to mitigate the risk of unauthorised constructions on its lands.
A senior official disclosed that KMDA intends to conduct weekly inspections of its plots situated off the EM Bypass to curb the proliferation of illegal structures. Under this revamped surveillance protocol, the KMDA will diligently scrutinise its properties and promptly report any instances of unauthorised construction to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) for requisite action. Notably, KMDA owns multiple plots in strategic areas such as Patuli, Baisnabghata, Kasba, Rajdanga, and adjacent to the Ruby crossing, besides other locations in east Kolkata.
Previously, KMDA had taken stringent measures against illegal building constructions, lodging approximately 45 FIRs and demolishing four to five unauthorised structures with police assistance. An official highlighted that earlier, KMC had been notified about eight to ten illegal structures, with some being dismantled by KMDA. To fortify its properties against encroachments, KMDA is erecting boundary walls across all its plots, aiming to bolster security and deter unauthorised activities. Additionally, KMDA has initiated the process of mutating its lands to prevent unauthorised building plan sanctions, thereby reinforcing regulatory compliance measures.
In a concerted effort to enhance transparency and awareness, last year, the Bureau of Land Records and Surveys (BLRO) authorities installed notice boards on nearly 800 plots off the EM Bypass, explicitly indicating their governmental ownership. Moreover, the state government established a high-level panel under the chief secretary to compile a comprehensive report on all vacant government lands adjacent to the EM Bypass, signalling a proactive stance towards land governance and accountability. KMDA’s proactive measures underscore its commitment to upholding regulatory standards and safeguarding public safety amidst burgeoning urban development. By bolstering inspection regimes and fortifying regulatory frameworks, KMDA aims to foster a conducive environment for sustainable urban growth while mitigating the risks associated with unauthorised constructions.
