Kolkata, May 13 (PTI) In a crackdown on illegal constructions after the Tiljala factory fire that killed two, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday took a “zero-tolerance” stance against
illegal factories and directed agencies to disconnect electricity and water supply to units operating without sanctioned building plans.
Addressing reporters at the state secretariat, Nabanna, after reviewing the findings of a four-member probe committee, he said the factory in Tiljala that was ravaged by a fire on Tuesday was operating illegally and lacked mandatory fire and electric safety measures.
“We formed a team comprising four departments and sought a report. It found the structure was illegal, there was no sanctioned building plan, and basic norms related to fire safety and electricity were not followed. It was completely illegal,” the chief minister said.
He said the state government has directed power utility CESC Limited to carry out an internal audit of similar establishments, particularly in Tiljala, Kasba, Mominpur and Ekbalpur areas, and permanently disconnect power supply to factories functioning without approved building plans.
“We have asked for permanent disconnection and directed CESC to immediately disconnect power supply to illegal factories in Tiljala, Kasba and other areas which do not have approved building plans,” Adhikari said.
The chief minister also directed the urban development department and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to demolish the illegal structure within a day with the assistance of the Kolkata Police.
“KMC has also been instructed to disconnect the water supply to such dangerous and illegal factories. There will be zero tolerance against illegal activities and corruption,” he asserted.
Warning owners of unauthorised establishments of stringent action, Adhikari said, “Those who want to be cautious should be so now. We are issuing strict directions to people engaged in illegal activities to refrain from such practices.” The chief minister said the factory owner and another person have been arrested in connection with the Tiljala incident.
Two people were killed, and three others suffered burn injuries after a massive fire broke out at a building in Kolkata’s Tiljala area on Tuesday afternoon.
According to officials, the blaze erupted around 1.45 pm on the first floor of the building, which was being used as a leather godown, and quickly spread through the premises, engulfing the area in thick black smoke. PTI PNT BSM NSD
