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The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is working on a proposal to help owners of small plots by easing building regulations. The aim is to encourage legal construction and prevent illegal buildings, many of which have raised safety concerns. Under the new plan, owners of plots between 350 sq ft and 2,100 sq ft will be able to construct homes without a sanctioned plan, provided they submit a detailed design from an architect or engineer. The initiative is targeted at certain areas initially and may expand depending on public response.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is considering a new initiative aimed at providing relief to owners of small plots by relaxing building regulations. This initiative is part of the civic body's efforts to address the increasing number of illegal buildings in the city, which have raised significant safety concerns. Many of these buildings have either collapsed or tilted due to non-compliance with essential safety norms. In light of these incidents, Mayor Firhad Hakim has called for a revision of the existing building rules to encourage small plot owners to submit building plans and obtain the necessary approvals. Advertisement
The proposed relaxation will specifically target owners of plots measuring between 350 sq ft and 2,100 sq ft. However, the exemption will only apply to those who enlist the services of an architect or structural engineer, ensuring that a detailed construction plan is submitted. In addition, the foundation work must be supervised by a structural engineer approved by KMC to guarantee the safety of the buildings being constructed.
A representative from the KMC buildings department mentioned that the new scheme would initially apply to colonies and thika land, with the possibility of expanding it to other areas of the city depending on the response from the public. The department is in the process of preparing a draft that incorporates these proposed changes, which will soon be submitted to the state municipal affairs department for approval.
The official also highlighted the dangers posed by unregulated construction. Many owners, fearing the stringent compliance requirements, avoid hiring structural engineers, which often results in the use of substandard materials and unsafe building practices. This situation puts not only the newly constructed buildings but also neighbouring properties at risk. The initiative is designed to encourage small plot owners to come forward, submit their building plans for approval, and ensure that their constructions do not negatively affect the surrounding area.
Hakim's call for relaxation came after he received a complaint during the 'Talk to Mayor' interactive session from a resident of Baghajatin. The resident had been denied permission to build on a small plot because of his failure to meet the mandatory requirement of maintaining open space around the construction. This issue was further underscored by the recent collapse of a G+III building in Vidyasagar Colony, Baghajatin, which had been constructed illegally. The building had initially tilted before eventually collapsing, drawing attention to the dangers posed by illegal and unsafe constructions.
The mayor expressed his frustration over the strict regulations, arguing that small plot owners should not be barred from building homes simply because of rigid rules. He stressed the need for flexibility to help these individuals achieve their dream of owning a home, asserting that relaxation of the rules would allow them to do so without compromising safety or the integrity of the surrounding area.
KMC's proposed relaxation of building rules for small plot owners marks a significant step toward tackling the issue of illegal construction in Kolkata. By offering a structured yet flexible approach, the civic body aims to ensure that even those with limited land can build safe homes while adhering to necessary regulations. This initiative, still in the planning stages, could eventually help create a safer, more orderly urban landscape, preventing further safety risks associated with illegal buildings.
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