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Deadly Kolkata Warehouse Fire Exposes Alleged Illegal Construction in Protected Wetlands

Environmental groups have requested an independent inquiry into suspected wetlands encroachment.

Overview

  • Police say at least 27 people are feared dead from the January 26 blaze that gutted two Nazirabad warehouses, with 21 body parts recovered and multiple workers still missing.
  • Investigators arrested three people, including warehouse owner Gangadhar Das, while two Wow! Momo managers were taken into custody as probes into culpability continue.
  • Fire officials confirmed the facilities lacked required fire-safety clearances and operated without legal approvals.
  • Activists submitted a memorandum to the East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority alleging illegal construction, map discrepancies, and canal narrowing linked to road work near the Anandapur Canal.
  • EKWMA officials acknowledged limited enforcement capacity and ongoing High Court and NGT cases, as political leaders trade blame and compensation for victims was announced by the PMO and the state.