Pictures by Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: The Chief Minister initiates strict measures regarding illegal factories. Acting on the Chief Minister's directives, bulldozers have arrived on the scene. Demolition work has commenced. The Chief Minister takes a firm stand against illegal factories, issuing orders to demolish any facility lacking an approved building plan. In compliance with the Chief Minister's instructions, bulldozers—deployed by the KMC—are now on-site to carry out the demolition. The Chief Minister stated, "If any factory is found to be illegal, its water and electricity connections will be immediately severed." These stringent measures were implemented following the deaths of two individuals in Tiljala. "An investigation will be conducted to identify every illegal factory," the Chief Minister affirmed, adding that the government would take strict action immediately upon receiving the committee's report. Directives have been issued to scrutinize areas such as Kasba, Tiljala, Mominpur, and Iqbalpur to identify all establishments operating without valid building plan approvals. Furthermore, orders were issued to conduct an audit and demolish any illegal structures within a single day. The government has launched a major operation in response to the Tiljala incident. In accordance with the Chief Minister's directives, the demolition of the structures has begun. Four to five bulldozers have been deployed to the site. The demolition work is being executed through a joint initiative involving the KMDA, in compliance with government orders. The entire building has been completely vacated; residents are currently removing all their belongings from the premises. Demolition work has already commenced on two specific buildings. Several high-ranking police officials, a police force contingent, central security forces, and municipal officials are present at the scene. Section 144 (prohibitory orders) has currently been imposed in the area. The Chief Minister held a press conference regarding this incident earlier in the afternoon. She stated, "That illegal factory—or building—lacked any approved building plan. It possessed neither proper fire safety nor electrical infrastructure; indeed, every aspect of the facility was illegal." She further announced, "We have initiated several strict measures in the wake of this incident":
1. "Based on Case No. 226 registered at the Tiljala Police Station, two individuals—including the factory owner—have been arrested."
2. "I have issued directives to the electricity utility provider to permanently disconnect the power supply to the premises."
3. "The CESC has been directed to disconnect the electricity supply to all such illegal factories—particularly in areas like Kasba, Tiljala, Mominpur, and Iqbalpur."
4. "The Secretary of Municipal and Urban Development has been instructed to demolish these illegal structures within a single day, acting under the initiative of the KMC and with the assistance of the Kolkata Police."
5. "The KMC has been directed to sever the water connections to these hazardous factories."
The Chief Minister further stated, "We are now adopting a policy of zero tolerance. Those who need to heed the warning should do so immediately. We are also issuing strict directives and counsel to those engaged in illegal activities, urging them to mend their ways and desist from such practices."