Kolkata, 14 May (H.S.) : In the first major bulldozer action following the deadly Topsia fire incident, the West Bengal government on Wednesday began demolishing an allegedly illegal multi-storey factory building in Kolkata and announced a wider crackdown on unauthorised constructions across the city.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari declared a “zero tolerance” policy against illegal structures and directed authorities to identify hazardous constructions operating without approval, particularly in areas such as Kasba, Tiljala, Mominpur and Ekbalpur.

Within hours of the Chief Minister’s order, bulldozers and heavy machinery reached the fire-ravaged leather factory in the Tiljala police station area of Topsia, where demolition work began amid heavy police deployment. Personnel of central forces were also present during the operation to prevent any untoward situation.

The action came less than 30 hours after the massive fire at the leather factory that killed two people and left several others seriously injured. Police on Wednesday arrested two persons, including factory owner Jafar Nishar, in connection with the incident.

Addressing a press conference at Nabanna, Adhikari said a committee comprising officials from four departments had inspected the site and submitted a report. According to the report, the building had no sanctioned construction plan and lacked basic fire safety measures.

“The building was constructed illegally and the factory was operating without proper permissions. Such dangerous structures cannot be allowed to continue,” the Chief Minister said.

He also directed electricity distribution agencies to permanently disconnect power supply to illegal factories and instructed civic authorities to cut water connections to unauthorised establishments operating across the city.

“The electricity secretary has been asked to conduct an internal audit and disconnect power supply to illegal factories immediately. Municipal authorities have also been instructed to demolish hazardous illegal structures within one day with the help of Kolkata Police,” Adhikari said.

The demolition drive triggered political reactions, with Naushad Siddiqui calling the action “unconstitutional” and demanding rehabilitation for tenants residing in the building. He also urged the government to investigate whether more people were involved in the alleged illegal activities linked to the factory.

State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul said notices would be issued to buildings lacking fire licences or mandatory no-objection certificates. She said owners would first be given an opportunity to comply with regulations before stricter action is initiated.

Paul also highlighted serious safety lapses in the demolished building, stating that the staircases were too narrow for residents and workers to evacuate during the fire.

The state government has simultaneously announced plans to strengthen surveillance in urban and industrial areas. According to the minister, seven municipal corporations, 121 municipalities and three industrial zones will be brought under a centralised CCTV monitoring network to improve oversight of civic administration and illegal construction activities.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh