The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has been compelled to address concerns surrounding a construction site in Ballygunge’s Sunny Park area following complaints from local residents.
Allegations of rule violations, including inadequate measures to mitigate dust and noise pollution, prompted KMC officials to intervene and conduct an inspection of the site. Residents of Sunny Park raised grievances about the adverse impact of dust and diesel fumes emanating from the construction site on their daily lives, prompting KMC engineers to take action. The KMC had previously issued guidelines mandating stringent measures for under-construction buildings, including covering the site, maintaining noise levels below 65 decibels, and controlling dust suspension through soil watering or vehicle speed limitation. However, these guidelines are often overlooked, as evidenced by the situation at the Sunny Park site. This incident sheds light on a broader issue of non-compliance with construction regulations across Kolkata, with numerous sites flouting guidelines under the KMC’s purview. The persistence of such violations underscores the challenges faced by regulatory authorities in enforcing adherence to construction standards and mitigating environmental impacts effectively.
A visit to the Sunny Park site revealed visible signs of negligence, with soil scattered on the road leading to the construction area and residents reporting discomfort due to diesel machine emissions. The pervasive dust pollution, emanating from the sprawling 72 cottahs site, has significantly affected nearby households, highlighting the urgency of addressing these concerns. The KMC’s belated response to the situation underscores systemic inefficiencies in monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, raising questions about the civic body’s proactive approach towards safeguarding public health and environmental quality. Improved coordination between regulatory agencies and stricter enforcement of construction guidelines are imperative to prevent similar infractions in the future and uphold standards of urban development. The Ballygunge construction site saga serves as a wake-up call for enhanced vigilance and enforcement measures to ensure compliance with construction regulations and safeguard community well-being in Kolkata’s urban landscape.
