West Bengal Government Forms Panel to Tackle Unauthorized Constructions Outside Kolkata Civic Body
In a significant move to regulate urban development and curb unauthorized constructions, the West Bengal government has constituted an eight-member state-level committee to investigate complaints of unauthorized building activities in municipal areas outside the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). The newly formed panel will oversee construction violations in Bidhannagar, New Town, and other municipal zones across the state.
Objective and Scope of the Panel
The committee, comprising officials from the urban development department and architects, will scrutinize cases of minor deviations from sanctioned building plans and unauthorized constructions. It will also provide technical guidance on related matters when referred by local civic bodies.
This initiative aligns with the West Bengal Municipal (Building) Rules, 2007, which govern construction activities and ensure compliance with sanctioned building plans. The panel's role extends to investigating whether construction projects adhere to regulatory norms and whether any minor alterations or unauthorized modifications have been made without official approval.
Recent Government Measures on Construction Violations
The formation of this committee comes as part of a broader effort by the state government to strengthen urban planning and construction oversight. A few weeks ago, the urban development department issued detailed guidelines to help developers address issues related to tilted or structurally compromised buildings in municipal areas. This measure aims to prevent safety hazards arising from poor construction practices and to provide a framework for rectification.
Moreover, in January 2025, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directed authorities to take strict action against illegal encroachments by builders on government land. She emphasized the need for strong legal action, including arrests and property attachments for those violating land and construction laws.
New Approach to Building Plan Approvals
To further enhance transparency and accountability, the state government has recently transferred the authority for approving building plans from elected municipal councillors to municipal officers. This shift is expected to reduce delays, prevent corruption, and curb unauthorized construction activities in both urban and semi-urban areas.
Impact on Real Estate and Urban Planning
With West Bengal witnessing rapid urbanization and infrastructure expansion, the government is taking proactive steps to regulate unauthorized developments while ensuring compliance with legal provisions. By setting up this specialized panel, the administration aims to streamline urban planning, uphold building safety standards, and protect homebuyers from illegal projects.
Industry experts believe this move will restore confidence in the state’s real estate sector, as stringent enforcement of construction laws can minimize disputes and ensure smoother property transactions for buyers and developers alike.
This initiative marks another milestone in West Bengal’s ongoing efforts to improve urban governance, building safety, and sustainable development across the state.
