West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has instructed civic authorities to provide adequate time to families and residents before enforcing actions against any unauthorized constructions. Adhikari expressed dissatisfaction with Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s handling of illegal constructions during a recent meeting with Borough-9 officials in Alipore.
The Chief Minister specifically raised concerns about the issuance of notices and the proper legal procedures followed in demolishing unauthorized structures in Tiljala and Topsia areas. Allegations surfaced that residents were given insufficient time to evacuate before the Kolkata Municipal Corporation initiated demolition activities.
In response to the situation, the Calcutta High Court has temporarily halted the demolition process, emphasizing the necessity of following a specific legal protocol even for illegal constructions. The court stressed that authorities must provide due notice, allow for the presentation of views, and grant the legally mandated time to affected parties before taking any unilateral actions.
Adhering to the High Court’s directive, the administration has initiated fresh discussions on the matter, contemplating a more comprehensive and legally compliant approach towards addressing illegal constructions. The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s stance on strict actions against unauthorized constructions, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law while maintaining a humane perspective.
Instructions have been issued to enhance surveillance, conduct regular inspections, and ensure timely notifications from the initial stages of construction activities. Adhikari clarified that these directives apply not only to the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency but to the entirety of Kolkata, signaling a more proactive and law-abiding administrative strategy in dealing with illegal constructions.
