KMC mandates tree plantation for builders to obtain Completion Certificate

The rapid urbanization of Kolkata has led to a significant reduction in greenery, with large trees being cut down to make way for construction projects. Despite regulations mandating the planting of new saplings to compensate for deforestation, this rule has often been ignored after construction is completed. Addressing this growing concern, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has now introduced a strict policy to ensure environmental protection.

Under the new rule, builders undertaking construction projects will be required to pledge to plant new saplings in exchange for cutting down trees. KMC will issue a Completion Certificate (CC) for the project only after verifying that all the committed saplings have been planted. Without this certificate, the building cannot be legally occupied or used, making compliance mandatory.

The municipal corporation has also discussed this new policy with the State Forest Department to ensure its effective implementation. According to existing forest regulations, for every large tree felled, five new saplings must be planted. However, KMC officials have found widespread violations, with trees often being removed without approval from the Forest Department or KMC. Even in cases where construction permits were issued with conditions to plant saplings, many developers failed to fulfill their commitments.

To streamline the process and prevent unauthorized deforestation, KMC is considering implementing a single-window system to obtain approvals from various government departments and the Forest Department. If launched online, this system will help both officials and builders process applications efficiently while ensuring accountability in tree plantation.

KMC officials emphasize that protecting Kolkata’s green cover is a priority, especially as climate change and urban pollution continue to worsen. Strict monitoring will be conducted to verify whether promised saplings have been planted, and violators may face penalties. With this new initiative, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation aims to strike a balance between development and environmental conservation, ensuring that the city does not lose its much-needed greenery to unregulated construction.