CESC checks power lines, KMC scanner on illegal bldgs

Kolkata: Power utility CESC that cut off supply to 10 buildings in Tiljala and one in Ekbalpore on Wednesday continued to check connections in these two localities in addition to Kasba and Mominpur. These four localities were named by CM Suvendu Adhikari in his directive to CESC and KMC to conduct an audit to identify unauthorised buildings and illegal units there and then sever electricity and water connections to them.A CESC official said teams were checking supplies in all the four neighbourhoods and acting as per the directive of the state govt. He, however, did not disclose whether any disconnections were carried out on Thursday.On Wednesday, the utility pointed out that KMC needed to identify unauthorised buildings and illegal businesses. Sources said that while lower-rung officials were acting as per the govt directive, senior officers clammed up as the KMC board is led by TMC. Buildings department officials on Thursday refused to comment on illegal buildings in the city.On Thursday, KMC officials said they were identifying illegal or unauthorised constructions across the city and asking the occupants to vacate the structures immediately. "In most of the places, resistance has become a challenge and until the residents vacate the buildings we cannot start the demolition drive. Secondly, the civic body does not have modern equipment needed for demolishing the illegal structures in densely populated areas. Our men are using hammers to demolish roofs and floors while a bulldozer is being used to pull down some hanging portions like balconies. If any other building is damaged or any mishap happens, the KMC will be held responsible," said an official.The civic body has snapped water connections in the two buildings being pulled down in the Tiljala area. "Meetings are going on with higher authorities and we will start cutting water connections in the buildings that are found illegal. Today this work has not started in any other building. Resistance from occupants of these illegal structures is posing a challenge," said a KMC official.