Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has taken a major step on 11th August regarding construction permission. KMC has simplified the building permission for small plot owners. The state cabinet minister approved the amendment to the KMC building Rules 2009, removing the mandatory open space requirement for small plots. This step will broadly discourage illegal constructions and encourage civil regulations.
Under this new amendment, a separate chapter is introduced that gives owners of small plots ranging from 0.5 to 3 kathas the legal right to construct up to 3 storage buildings, and it is not mandatory to keep any open space. Previously, a setback was observed on open space rules; as a result, more illegal construction was raised. Therefore, to check on the illegal construction, this amendment will bridge the gap between civic norms and practical realities.
Kolkata’s Mayor Firhad Hakim announced in a press meet that every online application for construction to KMC will receive approval within 15 days. This initiative will save time, reduce administrative delay, and also ensure owners get a concern before starting construction. The KMC executive shall inspect the construction field once the construction has completed the foundation level.
This amendment will apply to the Howrah municipal area, following the Kolkata Municipal Corporation regulation confirmed by a senior state government official. Moreover, miscellaneous changes are in the pipeline and shall be confirmed after the next cabinet meeting.
The bureaucrats believe rules should balance growth and regulation. By accommodating small plots in closed spaces, KMC hopes to reduce illegal extension and unsafe structures. While also aligning with the city’s environmental and mobility goals, though some urban planners caution that it could lead to more congestion in densely populated areas.
With this strong initiative of relaxation in norms and digitization in bureaucratic processes in Kolkata, it has become easier for residents to build legal constructions. Homebuyers and investors can also work with the best real estate company in Kolkata while ensuring all regulations are positively addressed. Further upcoming changes can extend the benefits across the state, shaping a more organised and developed framework.