Warehouse Collapse in Kolkata: 5 Dead, 20 Rescued
A devastating warehouse collapse in Kolkata has left at least five people dead and 20 others rescued from the debris, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The incident occurred at a private leasehold property under the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, raising serious questions about building safety standards in the city.
CM Suvendu Adhikari Orders Halt on All TMC-Era Projects
In a swift response, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced an immediate halt to all infrastructure projects initiated during the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) regime in Kolkata until July 31. The directive comes amid growing concerns over structural integrity and compliance with safety norms.
“All projects from the TMC era in Kolkata are suspended until July 31 for a thorough safety audit,” Adhikari stated, according to officials. The move is seen as a decisive step to prevent further tragedies and ensure accountability.
Details of the Collapse and Rescue Operations
The collapsed warehouse, a private leasehold property, was located within the jurisdiction of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to extract survivors from the rubble, with 20 people successfully rescued so far. The death toll is expected to rise as search operations continue.
“The building was old and appeared to have been overloaded,” a port official said on condition of anonymity. “We are investigating the exact cause of the collapse.”
Political Reactions and Safety Concerns
The tragedy has sparked a political firestorm, with the BJP-led state government blaming the previous TMC administration for lax enforcement of building codes. TMC leaders, however, have accused Adhikari of using the incident for political gain.
“This is a humanitarian crisis, not a time for politics,” said a TMC spokesperson. “The focus should be on rescue and relief.”
Adhikari’s decision to halt projects until July 31 aims to conduct comprehensive safety audits of all ongoing and completed structures from the TMC era. The move has been welcomed by residents who have long demanded stricter oversight.
Impact on Kolkata’s Infrastructure Development
The suspension of TMC-era projects is expected to impact numerous construction sites across Kolkata, potentially delaying housing, commercial, and public works. However, the government insists that safety is paramount.
“We cannot compromise on human lives,” Adhikari said. “Every structure must meet the highest safety standards before work resumes.”
The port authority has launched a separate investigation into the collapse, focusing on the lease terms and maintenance records of the warehouse.
