2 weeks ago
West Bengal Pledges Zero Tolerance Amid Kolkata Hotel Fire
West Bengal’s government says it wants cities to grow safely and sustainably.
Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul said officials are preparing a plan for future development.
The plan includes better roads and civic systems, modern technology and quicker building approvals.
She said buildings must follow their approved plans exactly.
She also said the government would take action against unsafe or illegal construction.
Officials have called 27 developers over illegal buildings.
On the same Wednesday, a fire in a Kolkata building on Mirza Ghalib Street killed nine people.
Paul said the building had 10 guest houses that were violating government rules.
Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul said West Bengal is creating a clear growth map for the state.
The government plans integrated civic systems, modern infrastructure, faster approvals and greater transparency.
Paul said unsafe construction and deviations from sanctioned building plans would not be tolerated.
The minister said 27 developers linked to illegal buildings had been called and action was being taken.
A Kolkata hotel fire on Mirza Ghalib Street killed nine people; the building reportedly contained guest houses violating government rules.
- Who
- West Bengal Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul and the West Bengal government.
- What
- The government announced stricter enforcement against unsafe and unauthorized construction while outlining plans for modern civic infrastructure.
- Where
- The announcement was made at a Confederation of Indian Industry event in Kolkata; the fire occurred on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata.
- When
- Wednesday; the report was published on August 19, 2026.
- Why
- To address civic bottlenecks, improve structural safety, streamline development and support sustainable urban growth.
Key facts
- Minister
- Agnimitra Paul, West Bengal Urban Development Minister
- Construction policy
- Zero tolerance for unsafe construction and building-rule violations
- Developers called
- 27 developers linked by the minister to illegal buildings
- Plan compliance
- The government said sanctioned plans must be followed exactly
- Fire deaths
- Nine people died in the Kolkata building fire
- Fire location
- Mirza Ghalib Street, Kolkata
- Reported violations
- The building was said to contain 10 guest houses flouting government rules
Quotes
Agnimitra Paul
West Bengal Urban Development Minister
“Our government is committed to eliminating bureaucratic delays, streamlining building plan approvals, and bringing greater transparency to the process. Sustainable development cannot exist without structural discipline, and there will be zero tolerance for violations of building rules.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“We have called 27 developers, who have done illegal buildings, 10 days back. We are taking steps against them. We have made it clear that the original sanctioned plan has to be adhered to the last millimetre.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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