The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has proposed a substantial waiver on building sanction fees, potentially bringing significant relief to small plot owners. The initiative, aimed at encouraging residential construction, was approved by the civic body’s buildings department on Friday and is now awaiting final approval from the KMC House.
The proposal, which was passed during the mayor-in-council meeting, suggests a reduction in the sanction fee for building plans on plots measuring up to three cottahs. Currently, the KMC charges approximately Rs 2.2 lakh for sanctioning a building plan on plots within this size range. Under the new proposal, this fee could be reduced to Rs 1.2 lakh, offering a waiver of about Rs 1 lakh to eligible applicants.
This proposed reduction is intended specifically for individuals seeking to build residential properties. The KMC has clarified that this waiver will not extend to commercial construction or to property developers looking to exploit the reduced fees for profit. “Our objective is to support individual homeowners, not to provide undue advantages to commercial promoters,” stated the Mayor. The move comes as part of KMC’s broader efforts to facilitate residential development in Kolkata, particularly for middle-class families who might find the current fees prohibitive. By reducing the financial burden associated with building plan approvals, the civic body hopes to encourage more small-scale residential construction, contributing to the city’s housing stock.
The waiver proposal is also seen as a response to concerns raised by residents and civic groups about the high costs associated with obtaining building permissions in Kolkata. By making the process more affordable, the KMC aims to promote legal construction activities and discourage unauthorised developments, which often bypass safety and regulatory standards. However, the implementation of this waiver is contingent on its approval by the KMC House. If passed, it could set a precedent for other municipal corporations across the country to adopt similar measures, promoting residential development while ensuring compliance with urban planning regulations.
The civic authorities are expected to review the proposal in detail before making a final decision. In the meantime, the KMC’s buildings department is preparing the necessary documentation and guidelines to ensure that the waiver, if approved, is implemented smoothly and fairly. The department has also assured that measures will be put in place to prevent any misuse of the scheme by commercial entities. The proposed waiver is part of a series of reforms being considered by the KMC to streamline building approval processes and make them more accessible to the general public. As Kolkata continues to grow, the civic body is under pressure to balance development needs with the preservation of the city’s unique character and heritage, making initiatives like this crucial for sustainable urban growth.
