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The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has demolished 150 unauthorized buildings over the past year and issued 5,000 stop-work notices to developers violating building norms. Additionally, 500 FIRs have been filed against those continuing construction despite warnings. The crackdown, targeting high-risk areas like Rajarhat, Garia, and Behala, aims to improve urban safety and prevent structural failures. Opposition leaders have raised concerns over homebuyers unknowingly purchasing illegal flats, calling for stricter approval processes. With demand for RERA-compliant housing up 30%, KMC plans to introduce an online portal for property verification, ensuring safer, legally approved real estate development in Kolkata.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has intensified its crackdown on illegal constructions across the city, demolishing 150 unauthorized buildings over the past year. The move comes as part of a broader effort to curb unregulated real estate activity and address safety concerns arising from poorly constructed structures. Advertisement
The civic body has also issued 5,000 stop-work notices to real estate promoters found violating building norms across 144 wards. In addition, 500 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed against developers who continued work despite warnings. The initiative, announced during the KMC budget session for the financial year 2025-26, highlights the growing urgency to regulate urban development in Kolkata.
KMC officials stated that unauthorized construction has been a long-standing issue, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas such as Rajarhat, Garia, and Behala. Many of these illegal structures lack basic approvals, putting residents at risk due to poor quality materials and structural weaknesses. In some instances, buildings have tilted or collapsed, forcing residents to vacate their homes.
Mayor Firhad Hakim emphasized that borough officials have been instructed to survey their respective areas regularly and prevent unauthorized developments. He added that strict action, including suspensions, has been taken against officials who failed to act on complaints.
Despite KMC’s efforts, opposition parties have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the demolition drive. BJP councillor Sajal Ghosh pointed out that while illegal constructions are being targeted, affected homebuyers, who unknowingly purchased flats in unauthorized buildings, are left in a difficult position. Left Front councillors, including Madhuchhanda Deb and Nandita Roy, echoed similar concerns, stating that complaints regarding illegal buildings continue to flood KMC’s headquarters.
The opposition has called for stronger preventive measures, including stricter approval processes and penalties for developers who mislead buyers. A CPI(M) councillor pointed out that many homebuyers invest their savings into these properties without being aware of the legal risks. They emphasized the need for stronger regulations at the approval stage to prevent such issues.
Developers involved in illegal constructions now face serious legal and financial repercussions. Under the West Bengal Municipal Corporation Act, continued violations can result in heavy fines, legal action, and even imprisonment. Additionally, KMC is working on a plan to seize properties that remain unauthorized despite multiple warnings.
Real estate experts warn that illegal construction not only puts homebuyers at risk but also impacts property values in affected areas. Buyers are advised to verify all approvals, including building permits and occupancy certificates, before purchasing flats. The city’s real estate market has seen a rise in demand for legally approved developments, with many homebuyers now preferring properties that have clear RERA registration.
Kolkata’s real estate market has seen a surge in demand for legal high-rise projects in areas like New Town and Salt Lake. According to industry reports, demand for well-planned, RERA-compliant housing has increased by 30% in the past year, driven by greater buyer awareness and stricter government regulations.
As KMC continues its efforts to regulate construction, homebuyers and developers alike are expected to shift towards legal, sustainable, and well-planned housing projects. The civic body has also announced plans to introduce an online portal where citizens can check the legal status of buildings before making property investments.
With unauthorized construction being tackled more aggressively, the city’s skyline may see a transformation in the coming years, with safer and more regulated housing projects shaping Kolkata’s urban development.
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