Kolkata: Power utility CESC, which cut off supply to 10 buildings in Tiljala and one in Ekbalpore on Wednesday, continued to check connections in these two localities in addition to Kasba and Mominpur on Thursday. These four localities were named by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her directive to CESC and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to conduct an audit to identify unauthorised buildings and illegal units, and subsequently sever electricity and water connections to them.
CESC Operations Continue
A CESC official confirmed that teams were checking supplies in all four neighbourhoods and acting as per the directive of the state government. However, the official did not disclose whether any disconnections were carried out on Thursday. On Wednesday, the utility pointed out that KMC needed to identify unauthorised buildings and illegal businesses before further action could be taken.
KMC Faces Challenges
Sources indicated that while lower-rung officials were acting according to the government directive, senior officers remained tight-lipped as the KMC board is led by the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Buildings department officials on Thursday refused to comment on illegal buildings in the city. Meanwhile, KMC officials stated they were identifying illegal or unauthorised constructions across the city and asking occupants to vacate the structures immediately.
“In most places, resistance has become a challenge, and until residents vacate the buildings, we cannot start the demolition drive. Secondly, the civic body does not have modern equipment needed for demolishing illegal structures in densely populated areas. Our men are using hammers to demolish roofs and floors while a bulldozer is used to pull down some hanging portions like balconies. If any other building is damaged or any mishap occurs, the KMC will be held responsible,” said an official.
Water Connections Snapped
The civic body has snapped water connections in the two buildings being pulled down in the Tiljala area. “Meetings are going on with higher authorities, and we will start cutting water connections in buildings that are found illegal. Today, this work has not started in any other building. Resistance from occupants of these illegal structures is posing a challenge,” said a KMC official.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort to address unauthorised constructions in Kolkata, with authorities facing logistical and social hurdles in densely populated areas.
