Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim urged to act as WB Ex-Minister’s elder brother Flags illegal building work

BI News | Kolkata | May 26, 2025
Prominent Complaint Raises Alarm Over Unauthorised Construction on Narrow City Street

In an unusual turn of events, a high-profile voice has joined the chorus against illegal construction in Kolkata. Dr. Debapriya Mallick, a reknowned social activiest and Sr. Medical Professional and the elder brother of former state minister Jyotipriyo Mallick, has formally written to Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, calling for urgent municipal intervention against a building project he claims is illegal and dangerous.

The complaint focuses on a towering four-storey structure, complete with an expansive 10,000-square-foot underground parking lot, currently under construction at 28/3A Tagore Castle Street—a stretch Dr. Mallick describes as a narrow lane scarcely ten feet wide. According to his letter, despite earlier complaints to the municipal Building Department’s Director General, no significant action has followed.

In his detailed letter, Dr. Mallick claims the construction resumed clandestinely during night hours after a brief suspension, causing damage to the already fragile street. He alleges that construction equipment like earth movers and JCBs have led to visible structural damage in the surrounding area.

Raising concerns over public safety, Dr. Mallick also draws attention to the absence of mandatory permits and approvals. “There are no sanctioned water or electricity connections, yet the building functions behind makeshift covers,” he noted. He also pointed out that the displayed site notice board lacks the compulsory QR code required for municipal transparency.

Further intensifying the seriousness of the complaint, he named both the architect and the developer involved, accusing a powerful nexus of promoters and local enforcers of driving the project forward through influence and intimidation. Dr. Mallick’s letter calls into question the role of local officials, highlighting what he termed the “indifference” of the area’s councillor.

His appeal gained traction after media reports brought the matter to light. In a follow-up statement, Dr. Mallick revealed that the Building Department’s DG had contacted him post-publication, assuring him that the issue would be looked into and action taken accordingly.

This case underscores growing public frustration over unauthorized urban development and the urgent need for greater municipal accountability.

PC: S K Basu