Kolkata, May 14 -- Women and Child Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Thursday backed the demolition of illegal buildings following the Tiljala fire incident that claimed two lives.
She also assured that the state government will follow due process and give enough time for the building owners to produce valid documents to prove the legality of these buildings.
"The buildings where commercial activities have been taking place without a 'no objection certificate' (NOC), we will provide enough time to adhere to government norms, failing to which we will demolish the buildings. We will not allow these buildings to collapse and cause casualties," Paul said in the Assembly premises.
She further stated that no demolition will be carried out without verification and adequate time being given to the residents of the building. "If there is any illegal construction, we will send the owners notices and ask for documents. We will give a time limit. If the owners are unable to produce valid papers, we will go ahead and demolish the illegal buildings," Paul added further.
Chief Minister (CM) Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday announced a "zero-tolerance" stance against illegal building and factories, directing state government agencies to immediately disconnect electricity and water supply to those units operating without sanctioned building plans.
The state government also ordered the demolition of the building in Tiljala, where the fire incident took place on Tuesday, killing two people. He also stated that the Urban Development department and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) were directed to demolish the illegal structure within a day with the help of the Kolkata Police. Following the CM's order, the demolition of the building was carried out on Wednesday.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.