Kolkata, July 16 -- The ongoing scrutiny of high-rise construction projects in Kolkata after the Taratala warehouse collapse has apparently begun affecting project timelines, with developers warning that prolonged delays in obtaining clearance could push back the delivery of flats to homebuyers.

The Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI), West Bengal, is learnt to have raised the issue with Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), saying the halt in construction has disrupted work at hundreds of sites and created uncertainty for both developers and customers.

Construction activity at more than 700 high-rise projects was suspended following the Taratala tragedy. Of these, 344 projects are within the KMC area. Civic officials said around 200 developers have submitted the required project details, while inspections have been completed at 134 sites. However, only 11 projects have so far received permission to restart work after being cleared by the expert committee.

Developers said the slow pace of approvals is beginning to affect completion schedules, which may ultimately delay possession of flats promised to buyers. They also pointed to the impact on thousands of construction workers whose livelihoods depend on these projects.

According to CREDAI representatives, many projects found to be structurally sound remain stalled due to pending compliance issues related to labour registration and groundwater extraction. The developers requested the civic body to permit

construction to resume after obtaining written undertakings from builders to complete such statutory formalities within a fixed timeframe.

KMC, however, maintained that no project would be allowed to restart unless all mandatory requirements are fulfilled. Civic officials said the corporation is committed to ensuring that every project complies with labour, water-use and other statutory regulations before clearance is granted.

Officials added that some projects are also awaiting verification of structural calculations, while technical assessments, including structural and soil tests by experts from Jadavpur University wherever necessary, are expected to form part of the clearance process.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.