The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has demolished 11,539 illegal constructions over the past five years, Mayor Firhad Hakim informed during Tuesday's budget session of the corporation. The announcement came amid sharp criticism from Opposition parties over the alleged rise of unauthorised structures across the city.
Tuesday marked the final day of the budget session.
Opposition slams civic body over ‘unchecked’ illegal buildings
The BJP and Left councillors targeted the municipal board, calling it a failure to control illegal construction.
BJP councillor Bijay Ojha from Ward 23 questioned the administration’s claims. “The mayor says he is taking measures to stop illegal constructions. Then how does a seven-storey building come up in Tasya Gali of Burrabazar? Who gives permission?” he asked.
Ojha further demanded accountability, questioning why no official faces punishment if such structures receive approval. He also alleged that the corporation is regularising illegal constructions to legitimise them.
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Mayor responds: ‘Action will be taken on specific complaints’
Responding to the allegations, Mayor Firhad Hakim said that 11,500 illegal constructions have been demolished in five years. 850 illegal constructions have been demolished in the past two years. If specific complaints are made against any official regarding illegal constructions, action will definitely be taken.
Waste management under scanner
The Opposition also raised concerns over civic services. BJP councillor Sajal Ghosh from Ward 50 alleged that waste remains on Kolkata’s streets until noon and claimed that the number of sanitation workers is declining. He said that the corporation is not hiring new workers. The corporation has also failed to stop illegal parking. Cars are being parked even in the city’s lanes. Footpaths have completely fallen under hawkers’ occupation, he said, adding that authorities often cite the Town Vending Committee when questioned about hawkers.
Mayor-in-Council Debabrata Majumdar, who oversees the waste removal department, defended the civic body. “Modern technology is being used for waste removal work, so fewer people are needed,” he said.
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Illegal parking, hawkers and revenue claims
Addressing concerns about illegal parking and hawkers occupying footpaths, Mayor-in-Council Debasish Kumar said the corporation’s revenue collection from car parking has increased, an indicator, he claimed, that steps are being taken to curb illegal parking.
On hawkers, he informed that a survey has identified over 54,000 hawkers across Kolkata’s footpaths. The corporation plans to issue vending certificates to all of them. He said that once these vending certificates are obtained, there will be no more illegal hawkers in Kolkata.
