Fragmented accountability: On the Taratala warehouse collapse in Kolkata

In light of the Taratala warehouse collapse in Kolkata on June 24, the ability to erect a structure based on a reportedly flawed plan is reminiscent of West Bengal’s infamous Syndicate Raj. As per the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, an empanelled architect and a structural engineer must certify building plans. The corruption ranges from local cartels, some backed by political heavyweights, allegedly forcing developers to buy subpar construction materials at premium prices to licensed surveyors allegedly delegating the task of signing off on designs not of their doing to unlicensed persons.

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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.