Illegal constructions and the super-rich
It is always been this way, wherein the rich are always spared despite constructing illegal multi-storey structures whereas authorities prefer to demolish illegal slums and dwellings of the poor. It is noticed that the authorities often fail to take a prompt decision on demolition of unauthorised constructions by the affluent. This has given out a message that all the planning laws are enforced only against the poor.
Disadvantages of unauthorised constructions:
Having unauthorised/illegal constructions not only destroys the concept of planned development, it also affect the infrastructure for rendering basic facilities like drinking water, drainage and sewerage. Also the construction of such buildings becomes a threat to the public causing traffic congestion. Due to this, the concerned authorities should not only demolish such constructions, they should also impose penalty on the violators.
In a recent incident in Kolkata, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) imposed Rs 25 lakh fine on a Kolkata-based realtor for his unauthorised construction in Kidderpore. The bench ordered to stop the cons
ruction works and the building to be demolished the building within a month.
The bench stated that illegal unauthorized building constructions and other structures not only violate the municipal laws and planned development, but also it affect various fundamental and constitutional rights of other citizens.
Hence, the common man feels cheated when he finds that the people chosen for the duty of preparing and executing the master plan/development plan and the zonal plan are supporting the ones that make illegal constructions. Often, reports of demolition of dwellings and hutments belong to poor and the deprived section in the society appear in the media but those by rich seldom appears.
The incident in Kolkata has given a ray of hope to people that such activities will not be tolerated and those who indulge in the same will not be spared.
