Kolkata, 04 July (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday said the state government has stepped up monitoring of building safety and construction activities following the collapse of an under-construction warehouse in Taratala, asserting that all concerned departments have been directed to ensure such incidents do not recur.

The Chief Minister was addressing a felicitation ceremony organised by Kolkata Police to honour police personnel and members of various agencies who participated in the rescue operation following the Taratala tragedy.

On June 24, an under-construction warehouse collapsed in Kolkata's Taratala area, claiming 16 lives, while 17 others were rescued alive.

Commending the coordinated rescue effort, Adhikari praised the Kolkata Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Indian Railways, doctors and healthcare workers, the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for their swift response. He described the operation as an exemplary demonstration of inter-agency coordination in disaster management.

We salute all the rescue personnel. Owing to coordinated efforts, 17 lives were saved. The same spirit of cooperation among all agencies must continue in the future, as protecting every human life is our collective responsibility, he said.

The Chief Minister also appreciated local residents, particularly the youth, for being the first to launch rescue efforts immediately after the collapse. He said he would personally visit Taratala to thank the local people for their contribution.

Adhikari said the government has initiated a special audit of buildings and construction projects following the incident and is implementing necessary safety measures to strengthen oversight.

The programme was attended by state minister Agnimitra Paul, Chief Secretary Manoj Agrawal, and senior officials from various departments.

Following the Taratala collapse, the state government has also suspended construction activities, except emergency works, for four weeks in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area as well as in the municipal jurisdictions of Rajarhat-New Town, Maheshtala, Budge Budge, Bishnupur, Sonarpur and Baruipur. During this period, approved building plans are undergoing comprehensive safety audits.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh