Kolkata, 13 May (H.S.): In the wake of the devastating fire at a factory in Topsia under Tiljala police station area, the West Bengal government has announced stringent action against illegal industrial units operating in the city. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, while addressing the media at Nabanna on Wednesday, said that electricity and water supply to all illegal and hazardous factories would be disconnected immediately.

The Chief Minister stated that the multi-storey factory building where the fire broke out in Topsia had been constructed entirely illegally. According to him, the structure had no sanctioned building plan and lacked even the minimum fire safety measures. He said instructions had already been issued to demolish the illegal structure without delay.

Notably, two people were killed in the massive fire that broke out in the Tiljala area on Tuesday. Police on Wednesday arrested the owner of the factory in connection with the incident.

Adhikari said a joint committee comprising officials from four departments had been formed to investigate the incident, and its report revealed serious irregularities. “The committee’s findings are a major warning sign for the state, especially for Kolkata,” he said.

The Chief Minister further stated that agencies responsible for electricity distribution had been directed to permanently disconnect power supply to the factory concerned. He added that through the power department, the CESC had been instructed to conduct an immediate internal audit of illegal factories operating in areas such as Kasba, Tiljala, Mominpur and Ekbalpur, and terminate their electricity connections.

He also said that the Urban Development Department had been directed to demolish the illegal structure within a day. The demolition will be carried out by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation with assistance from Kolkata Police. In addition, the civic body has been instructed to stop water supply to all such illegal and hazardous factories.

Issuing a stern warning, the Chief Minister said, “The government follows a zero-tolerance policy. Those involved in illegal activities should immediately become cautious and change their ways.”

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh