Asansol imposes ₹500 cr fine on 11 illegal factories; Demands demolition or payment in 15 days

The Asansol Municipal Corporation has issued notices imposing fines totaling over ₹500 crore on 11 factories located in the Raniganj and Jamuria industrial zones for engaging in illegal construction. The factories include Shyamcell and Power Limited, Gagan Ferrotech, Satyam Dhatu Udyog, Reshmi Group of Industries, Super Shakti, Cluster Sponge Private Limited, Jay Balaji, Giridhan Metal, Super Smelters, Shyam Metallics, and others. The fines were levied after it was discovered that these factories had built structures without obtaining the necessary legal clearances or adhering to approved building plans.

The violations come at a time when Asansol’s industrial zones are already grappling with challenges in infrastructure management, and unauthorized constructions have further exacerbated these issues. The municipal authorities have specifically pointed out that these illegal buildings have caused significant disruption to vital urban systems, including water drainage, which has led to waterlogging and other environmental concerns. The construction of these buildings without proper blueprints has also affected the structural integrity of the local infrastructure.

The Asansol Municipal Corporation has been under increasing pressure to address the unauthorized construction issue, which has been ongoing for several years. In addition to the fine, the factory owners have been given a 15-day deadline to either demolish the illegal structures or pay the imposed fines. The fines are calculated based on the size of the illegal constructions and the damage caused to public infrastructure. Failure to comply with the orders will lead to further legal actions, including the potential for the structures to be forcibly demolished by the municipal authorities.

The factory owners, upon receiving the notices, met with Asansol Mayor Bidhan Upadhyay to request a waiver or reduction of the fines. During the meeting, the owners attempted to downplay the severity of the issue, focusing on other concerns such as water problems in the area. However, Mayor Upadhyay was firm in his stance and informed the factory representatives that the Municipal Corporation would not show any leniency regarding the illegal constructions. He clearly stated that the only options available were either to pay the fines or demolish the unauthorized buildings within the given time frame.

The factories in question have been linked to various environmental and safety issues, particularly due to their failure to comply with zoning regulations and construction laws. In addition to the drainage problems, the unauthorized structures have led to congestion, affecting the overall operation of nearby industries. The fines have been levied as part of a broader effort by the Asansol Municipal Corporation to ensure that all industrial buildings adhere to proper legal standards and do not compromise the safety or environmental quality of the area.

This move follows an increasing push by local authorities to address similar illegal construction issues across other industrial zones in West Bengal. Former Asansol Mayor Jitendra Tewari had previously raised concerns about the lack of enforcement and had called for stricter measures against unauthorized construction. His criticisms have now been addressed as the current municipal authorities step up enforcement actions against such violations. The Asansol Municipal Corporation has made it clear that the 15-day deadline is non-negotiable, and no further extensions will be granted.