No illegal construction going on in Kolkata, says Firhad; to bring new Building Amendment Act

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, on Friday, claimed that currently, no illegal construction is going on anywhere in Kolkata. He was speaking at the monthly convention of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC).

He also said that the state government and the Municipal Corporation are adopting the strictest attitude against illegal construction. He said that wherever illegal construction has already been done, we are taking action against them.

"Local councilors have also been given the responsibility to tell us that if illegal construction is going on in their area, then inform the Municipal Corporation about it. If no action is taken after the Municipal Corporation informs the police and despite registering an FIR, we can also report it to the Police Commissioner", said Firhad.

He said that illegal construction is not only the work of our government. "This has been happening for 100 years. It's not necessary that big CPI(M) leaders, where they are living, are living in legally constructed properties", he claimed.

Remembering an old incident, Firhad said, "The Gardenrich incident has shaken me. I have lifted the bodies of those who died there by being buried under the debris with my own hands. I could not sleep for many nights. After that, I vowed to take strict action against those who do illegal construction".

He said that he is preparing to make a strict law against illegal construction by bringing a Building Amendment Act. The Mayor said that it is very easy to make allegations but it is very difficult to prove them. This comes after BJP councilor Vijay Ojha alleged that illegal construction is still happening in Kolkata, especially Burrababzar area.