West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday blamed the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for the collapse of an under construction warehouse in Kolkata’s Taratala area that left at least five people dead and several others injured.
After visiting the site, Adhikari alleged that the project had been approved during the TMC government’s tenure and claimed that serious structural flaws led to the collapse. “They have turned the City of Joy into the City of Death,” he said, accusing the previous administration of allowing unsafe construction practices.
“Nine people have died. Bodies of five of them have been handed over to the family. The post mortem of four others is under process. Fifteen among the injured are stable now while four others remain critical. The government will provide Rs 10 lakh each to the kin of the dead and compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to those injured,” the CM announced.
The Chief Minister said the collapse was caused by defects in the building’s structural design rather than heavy rain or weak soil. He announced that all under construction commercial projects approved by the previous TMC government within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area would remain suspended until July 31.
“These documents are signed by the former mayor Firhad Hakim.” Adhikari said addressing the Trinamool chief whip Akhruzzaman. “No one will be spared. The engineers who did not discharge their duties, we have got their names,” the chief minister said.
He also ordered a comprehensive structural audit of these projects. The audit will be carried out by a multi agency team comprising officials from the Public Works Department, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Fire Services, Civil Defence and Kolkata Police.
“For four weeks no construction work will be allowed in Kolkata, Rajarhat Newtown, Maheshtala, Budge Budge, Pujali, Sonarpur, Baruipur, Bishnupur-rural area. All building plans sanctioned will be audited by this committee,” Adhikari said.
“Till the audit is completed we will not allow any construction to continue. Then we will conduct a probe and attach properties [of those involved]. Just wait. We will make no compromise with people's lives.”
Rescue teams from the Army, Fire Services, Police and disaster response agencies continued operations at the site to search for those trapped under the debris. More than 20 workers were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals.
Police have arrested three people, including the project supervisor, in connection with the incident. An investigation is underway to determine whether safety norms were violated during construction.
The state government has said strict action will be taken against those found responsible. Further announcements regarding compensation for the victims and legal action are expected after a detailed review of the incident.
