The West Bengal government has announced a large-scale safety audit of all G+5 buildings across Kolkata and several neighbouring municipalities following the recent Taratala warehouse collapse. The move aims to strengthen building safety standards and identify structures with serious construction or compliance issues.
Chief Minister Suvendhu Adhikari has directed that all residential and commercial buildings with five or more floors undergo inspection. The audit will also cover municipalities in Howrah, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas.
Construction Projects Paused Until Clearance
The state government has temporarily suspended ongoing commercial building construction until July 31. However, officials clarified that the restriction is not a blanket ban. Projects that successfully complete inspections and receive clearance from the audit committee can resume work before the deadline.
Expert Committee to Lead Inspection
A special committee headed by senior official Rajesh Pandey will oversee the audit process. The panel includes experts from the Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, and officials from multiple government departments.
The committee has been tasked with completing the inspection drive within 90 days.
Three Categories for Buildings
Following inspections, buildings will be classified into three categories:
- Rejected: Structures with major violations that fail to meet safety and regulatory standards.
- Rectification Required: Buildings with correctable deficiencies that must be addressed before receiving approval.
- Approved: Buildings that fully comply with sanctioned plans and safety norms.
Authorities said construction will be allowed to continue once necessary approvals are granted after inspection.
Fire Safety and Infrastructure Under Review
Apart from structural stability, the audit will examine fire safety systems, fire licences, lightning protection measures, and related infrastructure in both residential and commercial buildings. Water bodies associated with building projects will also be reviewed as part of the comprehensive safety assessment.
Government buildings, hospitals, and schools owned by the state or central government have been exempted from the special audit.
Safety Drive Triggered by Recent Incidents
The state government said the decision follows a series of building-related accidents, including the Taratala warehouse collapse, the Tiljala fire, and previous structural failures in other parts of Kolkata. Officials believe stricter monitoring and enforcement of building regulations are necessary to improve public safety while ensuring planned urban development continues.