KMC to crack down on piling up of construction material on roads, footpaths

Kolkata: In a significant stride to prevent air pollution, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is taking strong measures to prevent piling up of construction material on roads and footpaths across the city.

Municipal Commissioner Khalil Ahmed has directed the Director General (Building) to take up regular drives against illegal stacking of building material on roads and footpaths.

He has further instructed him to take legal action against the defaulters with the help of Licence department, Solid Waste Management department, borough executive engineers and local police stations.

"A number of complaints regarding illegal stacking of construction material on roads and footpaths causing harassment to general public and pedestrians have reached the office of the Commissioner and the Mayor. The National Green Tribunal has prodded the administration to take strong measures against defaulters. This has contributed to the civic body taking serious measures to address the issue," a senior KMC official said.

The Commissioner has also directed DG (Building) to submit action taken report against offenders to the Mayor and his office from time to time.

It may be mentioned that as per directions of West Bengal Pollution Control Board with regards to air pollution, KMC is keeping watch to ensure that all construction material meant for road, building or similar purposes are transported in covered condition.

"We are trying to ensure that no construction material is left uncovered at roadside and the construction area is wrapped in geotextile fabric. Other actions as appropriate for the location are also being undertaken to prevent pollution due to building material. Sprinkling of water prior to levelling or any other earth movement activities is needed to keep the soil moist throughout the process," the official added.

The civic body is also taking steps to dispose debris from the construction site at the earliest, in consultation with the local authority following proper environmental management practices.

"We also issue notices to owners of construction sites in different boroughs to maintain environmental norms. Follow-up action like stop work notice has been issued to different construction sites in the recent past," the official added.