Two illegal KMC buildings on verge of collapse to be demolished for safety

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has announced the demolition of two office buildings near Bagha Jatin Station Road due to severe structural damage. Constructed during the Left Front government’s tenure, these buildings were built on a filled-up pond, which is prohibited under municipal regulations. Large cracks have appeared in the pillars, and the ground beneath the structures has started to sink, making them unsafe for occupation.

The two buildings serve as critical municipal hubs, housing the Borough 11 Chairman’s office, and departments for assessment, licensing, and building regulation. Additionally, several commercial shops operate within the premises. Notices have been issued to all occupants, instructing them to vacate the premises immediately. Temporary relocation for the municipal offices has been arranged at facilities in Santoshpur and Bagha Jatin.

According to KMC officials, the buildings were constructed without proper piling work. The pond was filled to create a foundation for the structures, which has now led to ground instability. The lack of structural integrity became evident after inspections revealed visible damage and significant risks to public safety.

Plans for the demolition include replacing the current G+2 buildings with new G+6 structures. The reconstruction is aimed at accommodating the municipal offices and ensuring a safer, more durable infrastructure. Demolition work is expected to begin shortly, with safety protocols in place to prevent any accidents during the process.

No formal investigation into the circumstances of the pond filling and construction approvals has been announced yet. KMC officials have focused on addressing the immediate safety concerns and ensuring the continuity of municipal operations through the relocation of affected offices.