Bengal Govt forms panel to block illegal construction approvals, curb political influence

The Bengal government has formed a special monitoring committee to regulate illegal constructions and prevent political influence in their approval process. The Urban Development Department recently issued directives to all municipal corporations, stating that legal approvals for unauthorized buildings will now be granted based on the committee’s recommendations. This move aims to reduce the role of ruling party-dominated council boards, which previously had the authority to legalize such constructions under the Bengal Corporation Act.

According to administrative sources, the government’s new framework limits the long-standing power of municipal corporations to regularize illegal structures. Until now, corporations outside Kolkata could approve unauthorized constructions in council board meetings, where many promoters allegedly used political connections to obtain legal status for their projects. With the new system, such practices will be restricted, and all municipal approvals will require scrutiny by the monitoring panel. A senior official from the Urban Development Department said, "The council board is primarily composed of members nominated by the ruling party."

Government officials believe that stricter regulations will ensure compliance with construction laws and reduce unauthorized developments across the state. Municipalities have already been directed to implement the new approval process, which is expected to standardize construction oversight. The panel's formation marks a significant shift in the state's urban governance, with a focus on minimizing undue influence and streamlining regulatory mechanisms.