KMC flags 3,000 illegal constructions in Kolkata, syndicates with TMC links exposed
Synopsis
KMC has flagged roughly 3,000 illegal constructions across Kolkata, uncovering a syndicate network that allegedly inflated approved building heights for profit — with TMC leaders reportedly named in the probe. Bulldozers are already moving in Tiljala, Beliaghata, and Kasba, marking one of the city's most politically charged demolition drives in recent memory.
Key Takeaways
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has identified approximately 3,000 illegal constructions across the city.
High-density areas include Beliaghata, Tangra, Tiljala, Burrabazar, Kasba, Garden Reach , and Metiabruz , among others.
Syndicates allegedly approved 'G plus four' structures but built 'G plus five' , pocketing profits from the extra floor.
Names of several All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders have reportedly surfaced in the investigation.
Active demolitions are under way in Tiljala , Beliaghata , and Kasba following a directive from the top administration.
Several localities have been designated 'red zones' by the KMC building department.
The Building Department of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has identified approximately 3,000 illegal constructions across Kolkata, with a civic body official confirming on Sunday that thousands of unauthorised additions and extensions face demolition. The crackdown follows a strict directive from the top administration after a change of government in the state.
Scale and Spread of Illegal Structures
The illegal constructions are spread across six boroughs of the KMC, with the highest concentration in Beliaghata, Tangra, Tiljala, Burrabazar, Topsia, Kasba, Garden Reach, Metiabruz, Cossipore, and Chitpur. A significant cluster has also emerged near the EM Bypass in eastern Kolkata. The building department has designated several of these localities as 'red zones' — areas with a disproportionately high density of unauthorised structures.
How the Syndicate Operates
According to KMC sources, a common modus operandi involves a promoter or construction firm obtaining municipal approval for a 'G plus four' structure, then illegally constructing a 'G plus five' instead. The additional floor generates surplus profits, while inflated building-material procurement costs serve as a secondary revenue stream — with proceeds reportedly distributed among syndicates. Officials noted that in buildings where only one extra floor has been raised unlawfully, the entire structure will not necessarily face demolition; only the unauthorised floor will be scrutinised.
Political Connections Surface
Investigators found that local promoters and syndicates facilitated the bulk of these violations. According to sources, names of several All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders have emerged in connection with these illegal constructions. In certain red-zone areas, syndicates allegedly razed existing villages or slum settlements to make way for the unauthorised developments, according to KMC sources.
Demolition Drive Under Way
Bulldozer action has already commenced in Tiljala, Beliaghata, and Kasba — areas where illegal structures reportedly rose with the backing of TMC leaders. KMC administrators are now conducting city-wide surveys to map remaining violations, acting on a firm directive from the administration following the change of government in West Bengal. This is not the first time Kolkata has seen a large-scale illegal-construction audit, but the scale of 3,000 flagged structures and the alleged political nexus make this drive notably broader in scope.
With demolition notices already served and red zones under active monitoring, the pace of enforcement over the coming weeks will determine whether this crackdown translates into lasting structural reform or remains a headline exercise.
Point of View
000 flagged structures across multiple boroughs — suggests this is not a localised lapse but a systemic failure of KMC's own approval and inspection machinery. The more pointed question is why these violations accumulated over years without action, and whether the current drive is a genuine enforcement reset or a politically timed exercise against the outgoing party's networks. The alleged TMC connection, if substantiated, would represent one of the most significant accountability moments for Kolkata's urban governance in years. But enforcement credibility will hinge on whether demolitions reach well-connected structures, not just peripheral ones.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many illegal constructions has KMC identified in Kolkata?
The KMC building department has identified approximately 3,000 illegal constructions across Kolkata, according to a civic body official. These include unauthorised additions, extensions, and extra floors built beyond approved plans.
Which areas of Kolkata have the most illegal constructions?
The highest concentration of illegal structures is in Beliaghata, Tangra, Tiljala, Burrabazar, Topsia, Kasba, Garden Reach, Metiabruz, Cossipore, and Chitpur. Several of these have been designated 'red zones' by the KMC building department.
How do the construction syndicates operate?
According to KMC sources, syndicates typically obtain municipal approval for a 'G plus four' structure and then construct an additional illegal floor. Profits from the extra floor and inflated material procurement costs are reportedly distributed among syndicate members.
Are TMC leaders involved in the illegal construction racket?
According to KMC sources, names of several All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders have come up in connection with the illegal constructions. In some red-zone areas, syndicates allegedly demolished existing villages or slums to enable the unauthorised developments.
What action is KMC taking against illegal constructions?
Demolition drives are already under way in Tiljala, Beliaghata, and Kasba. Officials have clarified that in buildings where only one floor is illegal, only that floor will be scrutinised rather than the entire structure. The crackdown follows a strict directive from the top administration after the change of government in West Bengal.
