Kolkata Mayor speaks on major city issues and upcoming actions | Watch

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim has affirmed that no individual is above the law while addressing the ongoing issue of illegal slaughterhouses and unauthorized constructions in the city. He confirmed that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has been instructed to take immediate action to remove illegal slaughterhouses operating in various parts of Kolkata. The Mayor emphasized that any staff member involved in misconduct or illegal activities will face strict disciplinary measures. "No one is above the law," Hakim said, underscoring the KMC's commitment to upholding the rule of law in the city.

Regarding the issue of illegal constructions, particularly in the Tangra area, the Mayor reassured residents that demolitions of unsafe or unauthorized buildings will only occur after a thorough structural assessment by qualified engineers. This process aims to ensure that all demolitions are based on expert evaluations, with the safety of residents being the top priority. The Mayor also mentioned that any poor residents facing challenges in building their homes should contact the government for assistance. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration is offering affordable housing solutions under the "Bangla housing" scheme for economically disadvantaged individuals. This initiative is intended to provide secure and affordable homes for the city's lower-income population.

In response to accusations regarding the lack of notices for illegal constructions, Hakim clarified that notices have been sent to landowners for the illegal buildings. He explained that the KMC's legal actions are focused on landowners based on the available information, as there is no direct connection with promoters in these cases. The Mayor further emphasized that the KMC is strictly adhering to zoning regulations and ensuring that construction projects follow the legal processes. All construction companies involved in demolitions or rebuilding efforts will be vetted for their credentials and technical expertise before any work is contracted.

Hakim also outlined that the KMC is actively working to address public safety concerns, particularly in relation to unsafe buildings. He reiterated that all actions taken by the KMC regarding demolitions and construction violations will follow proper legal procedures and aim to minimize risks to public safety. The Mayor’s office is closely monitoring construction activities across the city to ensure that they meet safety standards and that violations are promptly addressed in accordance with the law.

Lastly, in response to ongoing political issues, including the Golf Green controversy, Hakim reiterated his concern about the lack of proper documentation and potential safety risks. He highlighted that the responsibility for these issues lies with those who enable or allow unsafe buildings to exist. Hakim stressed that political distractions and deflections of responsibility would not prevent the KMC from acting in the public’s interest and ensuring the safety and compliance of all construction projects.