The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has set a May 27 deadline for those who have received fresh notices regarding illegal buildings in the past 24 hours. This move comes as the civic body intensifies its crackdown on unauthorized constructions across the city.
Demolitions and Notices Issued
On Sunday, six under-construction buildings faced demolition. Simultaneously, multiple structures in the areas of Tiljala, Beleghata, and Kasba received KMC hearing notices, declaring them illegal. Some of these notices were also issued to buildings that are already occupied by residents.
Residents Protest in Tiljala
Residents of a building named Elite Primo, located on G J Khan Road in Tiljala, staged a protest. They alleged that the developer had deceived them by claiming the properties were authorized. In Beleghata, five buildings, including a restaurant, received notices.
Red Zone Areas
The Tiljala-Topsia belt falls under the 'Red Zone' of allegedly illegal buildings. Other areas with a similar tag include Garden Reach-Metiabruz, Rajabazar, Burrabazar, and places off EM Bypass. A civic official stated, "Around 70% of buildings have been constructed illegally in Tiljala-Topsia in the past two decades."
KMC's Preparations for Further Action
KMC department officials are working overtime to prepare lists of illegal buildings that will soon be razed. According to a building department official, KMC authorities have asked the department to prepare a list and take note of the extent of deviations by promoters or owners while keeping the KMC in the dark. "We will send the list to the HQ," said an official.
Residents' Concerns
Ramu Yadav, a resident, expressed concern, saying, "How can we know a building, where we have been living for 10 years, is illegal? If it is razed, where will we go? Some of us will show KMC officials the papers we got."
