From Kankulia to Kankurgachhi, rate chart hurdle for home repairs
Times of India | 3 February 2024
Kolkata: From Kankurgachhi to Kankulia, citizens are harassed whenever they undertake repair, renovation or painting of their houses. Incidents of harassment continue to get reported despite mayor Firhad Hakim categorically stating that people undertaking repairs or painting of their houses or flats are not required to seek any permission from Kolkata Municipal Corporation or make payment to anyone.
A section of KMC officials conceded that there are youths hanging around local councillors who often land up at the doorstep of residents and claim that KMC permission is required to set up a scaffolding for repairs. Also, some cops allegedly demand KMC authorization from labourers. There have allegedly been several instances of labourers being detained for “failing to produce a letter of permission”. “Unless there is any addition or alteration of exterior of a house that deviates from the sanctioned plan, there is no requirement to make any payment to anyone or make any formal application to KMC,” a KMC buildings department official said.
The extortion amount varies from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. While in the north and central Kolkata places like Kankurgachhi-Maniktala, Beliaghata, Burrabazar, Jorasanko, Bidhan Sarani, Bowbazar are considered hot spots, neighbourhoods in the south such as Alipore, New Alipore, Lake Market, Ballygunge-Gariahat, Jodhpur Park-Golf Green are considered as goldmines for extortionists, said an official.
“There is no need to seek KMC buildings department nod to carry out minor repairs or painting,” Hakim reiterated.
Acknowledging that there have been several instances of citizens approaching KMC for formal permission to carry out repairs or paint a building, a KMC official alleged some unscrupulous cops extorted money by claiming that carrying out paint jobs or repairs without sanction could invite punitive action. “Instead of helping people, some councillors pressure citizens to pay up,” said the buildings department official.
According to an official, most cases are noticed when owners undertake repairs of the exterior of their houses or repair stairs and lift shafts. “Sometimes repair of a damaged roof also attracts attention of some cops and local councillors’ associates, who then start harassing owners for papers, which are not required,” the official said.