Kolkata civic body clears all 300 pending high-rise projects to resume construction

Kolkata's high-level committee has sanctioned the continuation of 300 halted high-rise housing projects after safety evaluations. Of these, 178 met safety benchmarks, while others were asked to improve measures. Restrictions on buildings up to five storeys have also been eased.

KOLKATA: The high-level committee set up after the Taratala warehouse collapse has given the go-ahead to all 300 pending high-rise housing projects across the city, based on a safety audit report and undertakings from developers. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation buildings department confirmed that names of the projects were sent to the committee in phases from September.

Of the 300 projects assessed, 178 passed the safety audit test satisfactorily. The remaining projects were directed to improve on certain safety measures before resuming construction. “Finally, we sent our recommendations to Nabanna based on our findings. However, we will continue our vigil,” a KMC official said.

In July, KMC issued a modified notification clarifying that owners of all buildings up to five storeys (G+4) with valid sanction plans could proceed with construction, emergency maintenance and repairs. The move followed a rush of harassment complaints from homeowners who said they were unable to carry out work despite being outside the scope of the earlier work suspension order.

Under the notification, the exempted category must apply to the municipal commissioner’s office to resume work. KMC also allowed high-rise projects to complete critical work such as sheet piling, retaining structures, excavation stabilisation, dewatering operations and bracing systems where excavation had already started for basement construction, as well as pile caps for deep or shallow foundations, to prevent soil collapse and safeguard adjoining properties.

Credai West Bengal president Sushil Mohta welcomed the decision, which is expected to unlock stalled housing supply in the city.