The West Bengal government has established an eight-member state-level committee to investigate unauthorized constructions in municipal areas outside the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). This initiative is aimed at regulating urban development and ensuring compliance with construction laws. The panel will oversee construction violations in areas such as Bidhannagar, New Town, and other municipalities across the state, where concerns over unauthorized building activities have been increasing.
The committee consists of officials from the urban development department and architects. Its primary task is to examine deviations from sanctioned building plans and identify unauthorized modifications. Additionally, it will provide technical guidance when requested by local civic bodies. The formation of this panel aligns with the West Bengal Municipal (Building) Rules, 2007, which govern construction activities in municipal areas outside KMC’s jurisdiction. Unauthorized construction has been a long-standing issue, with developers often making modifications that do not adhere to approved plans. The lack of strict enforcement has resulted in disputes, safety concerns, and legal complications for property buyers. This committee is expected to strengthen monitoring efforts and ensure compliance with legal and structural guidelines.
This move follows other measures taken by the state government to improve urban planning and construction oversight. Recently, the urban development department introduced guidelines to help developers address issues related to structurally compromised buildings. These guidelines are intended to prevent construction-related safety risks and provide a structured approach for rectifying defects in existing buildings. Additionally, in January 2025, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directed authorities to take stringent action against illegal encroachments and unauthorized construction on government land. She stressed the need for strong legal action, including arrests and property attachments, against those violating land and construction laws. These efforts indicate a focused approach to addressing irregularities and ensuring adherence to land-use regulations.
In another key policy decision, the West Bengal government has shifted the authority for approving building plans from elected municipal councillors to municipal officers. This change is aimed at eliminating delays, reducing corruption, and preventing unauthorized construction. By centralizing the approval process with government officials, the administration hopes to streamline procedures and improve accountability in municipal governance.
With West Bengal witnessing rapid urbanization and infrastructure expansion, these measures are expected to bring greater transparency and oversight to the real estate sector. Ensuring strict compliance with building regulations will help protect homebuyers from unauthorized projects and improve the credibility of the state’s real estate market. Industry experts believe that increased enforcement of construction laws will reduce disputes, promote legal compliance, and create a more stable environment for property transactions.
The newly formed committee will play an important role in addressing unauthorized construction, and its effectiveness will be closely observed as the state moves toward more regulated urban development.
