Only 7pc of under-construction multi-storey structures under KMC scrutiny get clearance
Kolkata, July 13
Only around seven per cent of the under-construction multi-storey structures in and around Kolkata that came under the scanner of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation following the collapse of an under-construction warehouse at Taratala on the southern outskirts of Kolkata last month have got the clearance of the high-power committee constituted by the KMC.
Following the collapse of the three-storey warehouse at Taratala last month, which claimed 16 lives, the KMC had put a hold on the construction process of the ongoing under-construction multi-storey projects in areas under the Corporation's jurisdiction. It also formed a high-power committee to review whether the clearances for the said constructions had been granted by the previous Trinamool Congress-run KMC board after proper scrutiny of the prescribed construction norms.
"A total of 160 under-construction multi-storey structures was reviewed by the high-power committee. On Monday, KMC Commissioner Smita Pandey submitted the report of the said high-power committee. The audit revealed that only 11 of the 160 under-construction multi-storey structures have got the clearance of the review committee. This means that only 6.87 per cent of such structures have got clearance from the high-power review committee," said an insider in the KMC.
It is learnt that in the last three years, a total of 344 applications were submitted for the construction of multi-storey buildings in the city.
"Out of these, 200 under-construction projects were identified in the first phase. Out of these 200, the audit team members physically visited 160 sites and inspected the infrastructure and quality of work of the multi-storey buildings. Out of these 160 constructions reviewed by the high-power committee, only 11 have passed the test," the KMC insider said.
Speaking to mediapersons, Pandey said that out of the 160 constructions physically reviewed by the members of the high-power committee, serious defects and negligence in granting clearances had been detected in 23 structures. These defects included the poor quality of construction materials and extreme indifference to the safety of workers. "The way the work was being carried out, ignoring building codes and regulations, cannot rule out the possibility of a major accident at any time," Pandey said.
The KMC has issued a strong message that work on these 23 multi-storey buildings, where defects were found, should be stopped immediately. The files have been sent back to the developers and promoters concerned for the speedy rectification of the defects. No work can be carried out there until the defects are completely rectified in accordance with the rules.
In addition, the audit reports of the remaining 41 under-construction multi-storey structures have currently been sent to the technical sub-committee for scrutiny. Only if the green signal is received from there will the next decision be taken.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is what happens when politics mixes with construction. The previous board clearly didn't care about safety. But let's see if this new committee actually follows through or if it's just a temporary show of action. KMC needs to set an example—stop all illegal work and punish those responsible.
As an engineer, I'm shocked but not surprised. Poor material quality and no safety for workers—classic signs of a system that prioritizes profit over people. The 23 structures with "serious defects" should be demolished, not just paused. Lives are at stake, and that's non-negotiable.
I live near one of those under-construction buildings in south Kolkata, and I've always wondered about the safety. This audit is long overdue, but now I'm worried about what happens next. Will we be informed if our building is among the defective ones? KMC must be transparent with residents. 🏢
I remember the Taratala collapse vividly—it was tragic. But I'm skeptical about the KMC's follow-through. We've seen many committees come and go with no real change. The only way this works is if builders are blacklisted and firms lose licenses. Otherwise, these 23 will quietly start work again after repairs.
The report says 344 applications in 3 years but only 160 were inspected. What about the other 184? Are they still being built unchecked? This is a systemic failure. Kolkata needs a complete overhaul of its building permit system, with independent audits and strict penalties for violations. 🛑
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