Five Year Jail and Fine for Illegal Buildings and Filling of pond in West Bengal: A Stern Warning to Offenders

Jail and Fine for Illegal Buildings and Filling of pond in West Bengal: After a incident of a building falling down in Garden Reach, the West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs department has put in place tough rules to deal with illegal buildings and filling of pond.

UD&MA department of West Bengal have introduce a new order that makes sure everyone follows the West Bengal Building Rules of 2007. If builders break these rules, they could go to jail for up to five years and have to pay a huge fine of Rs 50,000. Also If someone fills up water bodies illegally, they could be fined Rs 1 lakh. This is important for all builders, developers, and residents in the state to understand this.

Five Year Jail and Fine for Illegal Buildings and Filling of pond: A Comprehensive Guideline for Municipal Bodies

The UD&MA department has issued detailed guidelines to all municipal bodies and corporations under the purview of the West Bengal (Municipal) Building Rules, 2007. Notably, this directive excludes Kolkata Municipal Corporation and New Town Kolkata Development Authority, as they operate under their own set of building regulations.

The guidelines Address Several Critical Aspects

• Surveillance and Monitoring: Municipal bodies are now required to conduct regular surveillance of construction sites. This ensures that developers adhere strictly to the approved building plans. If they find any changes or illegal building, they will take action right away.
• Handling Unauthorized Constructions: The authorities have the power to initiate proceedings against developers involved in unauthorized constructions. This includes illegal filling up of water bodies for building purposes and constructing unfit structures.
• Ensuring Legal Compliance: During the mutation of a newly constructed building, officials are mandated to verify the sanctioned building plan and completion certificate. This is done to make sure the building has all the needed permissions and meets all legal rules.

The Role of Municipal Bodies

Municipal bodies and corporations are on the front lines of implementing these guidelines. They are tasked with:

• Conducting Inspections: Forming teams to carry out ward-wise inspections of construction sites.
• Disconnecting Utilities: If they find any illegal building, the officials can cut off water and other services to that place.
• Adhering to Legal Provisions: Strict adherence to the legal provisions outlined in the guidelines is essential. Municipal bodies must ensure that building operations are carried out as per the law and take stern action against offenders.

Unauthorized Constructions and Illegal Filling of Water Bodies

Addressing Grievance Petitions

The authorities frequently receive complaints about unauthorized constructions and illegal filling of water bodies. The UD&MA department emphasizes the need for municipal bodies to act on these grievances promptly. This includes investigating allegations and taking necessary legal action against offenders to prevent any further unauthorized activities.

Proper Management of Construction Waste

The guidelines also highlight the importance of proper management and disposal of construction and demolition waste. City authorities within the Kolkata Metropolitan Area are required to send all such waste to the Patharghata waste processing facility developed by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. This ensures that construction waste is managed sustainably, minimizing environmental impact.

Penalties for Offenders Against Illegal Buildings and Filling of Pond in West Bengal

People who break these rules can be punished heavily. If people do not follow these rules, they might have to spend up to five years in jail and pay a fine of Rs 50,000. The punishment is even harder for those involved in illegal buildings and filling of ponds. They could be fined up to Rs 1 lakh and spend five years in jail.

Also Read: House for Sale in Kolkata

Conclusion

The new guidelines issued by the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs department of West Bengal represent a significant step to stop illegal buildings and filling of ponds and make sure all building work in the state is safe and legal. City authorities now have better tools to check and control building work, making sure everyone follows the West Bengal Building Rules of 2007.