Kolkata Civic Body Eyes Reform to Curb Unauthorised Building Regularisation

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is contemplating significant regulatory changes regarding the regularisation of illegally constructed portions of buildings within the city.

Amidst growing concerns over the unchecked proliferation of unauthorised structures, KMC officials are proposing stringent limitations on the extent to which such constructions can be regularised. Currently, the absence of specific caps in the building rules has allowed for unchecked regularisation of unauthorised constructions. However, in a bid to curb this trend, KMC officials are considering a cap of 10 percent of the sanctioned area of a structure or 5,000 square feet, whichever is lesser. The term “regularisation” refers to the process by which unauthorised structures are declared legal upon payment of a fee by the builder or owner. While initially intended to accommodate minor deviations from approved building plans, developers have exploited this provision to erect entire buildings without proper approval.

The proposed regulatory changes aim to address this loophole by placing strict limits on the extent of regularisation permissible. This move comes in the wake of public outcry following the collapse of an illegal under-construction building in Garden Reach, resulting in fatalities. Under the proposed regulations, a special officer, acting as a quasi-judicial authority, will have the discretion to decide whether to regularise or demolish illegal structures based on factors such as structural stability and adherence to building regulations. This regulatory overhaul underscores KMC’s commitment to addressing the rampant proliferation of unauthorised constructions and ensuring public safety. In the past year alone, KMC has demolished illegal portions of nearly 850 buildings, signalling a proactive approach to enforcement. As part of its ongoing efforts, KMC has instructed its sub-assistant engineers to conduct daily inspections in wards to identify and take action against illegal structures, further emphasising its commitment to upholding building regulations and ensuring the safety and well-being of Kolkata’s residents.