KMC Relaxes Building Rules for Small Plots to Curb Unauthorised Construction

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has introduced revised building norms for thika, bustee, and colony lands, particularly for plots measuring up to 3 cottahs. The objective is to encourage property owners to seek official approvals and reduce the prevalence of unauthorised construction in the city.

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Rationale Behind the Revisions

Civic authorities noted that existing regulations were difficult to comply with for owners of small plots, often resulting in construction without professional oversight or KMC approval. To address this, a dedicated committee studied the feasibility of safe construction on small plots. Based on its recommendations, the mayoral council approved a set of relaxed guidelines.

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Revised Open Space Norms

The updated rules significantly reduce mandatory open space requirements for small plots.

According to Mayor Firhad Hakim:

• For 7 to 10 chhatak plots (approximately 300–450 sq ft), buildings must now maintain:

  • 1 foot open space in front

  • 1 foot on two sides

  • 3 feet at the rear

• The maximum permissible height for such buildings is capped at 10 metres, equivalent to a three-storey structure.

Previously, a uniform requirement of 4 feet of open space on all sides applied, regardless of plot size.

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Categorisation of Small Plots

To ensure proportionate regulations, the KMC has divided plots under 3 cottahs into four categories:

• 7 to 10 chhatak

• 11 chhatak to 1 cottah

• 1 to 2 cottahs

• 2 to 3 cottahs

Each category now has tailored open space norms.

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Mandatory Structural Certification

Property owners seeking regularisation of unauthorised structures must now submit a structural stability certificate from a licensed structural engineer. Licensed Building Surveyors (LBS) will be required to submit building plans, which the KMC has committed to approve within 15 days.

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Reduction in Regularisation Fees

To incentivise compliance, the KMC has substantially reduced regularisation charges.

• For a 3-cottah plot, the fee has been lowered from ₹3.27 lakh to ₹42,000, subject to submission of a valid structural stability certificate.

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Context: Recent Structural Incidents

The revisions follow recent structural failures in the city:

• A four-storey building in Vidyasagar Colony (Jadavpur) tilted after column failure and was found to have been built without civic approval.

• In Tangra, two houses were discovered leaning toward each other, both lacking valid building permits.

These incidents underscored the risks of unregulated construction.

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Limited Applicability of Relaxed Norms

The relaxed provisions apply only to colony, thika, and bustee lands. Illegal constructions in other areas will continue to face strict enforcement.

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Conclusion

The KMC’s revised guidelines seek to balance urban realities with construction safety. By easing compliance for small plots, reducing regularisation fees, mandating structural certification, and ensuring faster plan approvals, the initiative aims to curb unauthorised construction while strengthening quality control and public safety across Kolkata.