IGJF Leader R.K. Sharma Alleges Kurseong Municipality Illegal Construction, Warns of Agitation
Kurseong, February 20 2026: Allegations of unauthorized construction within the Kurseong municipal area have sparked fresh political tension, after a senior leader of the Indian Gorkha Janashakti Front (IGJF) publicly accused local authorities of inaction despite prior legal notice.
R.K. Sharma, Central Committee member of the Indian Gorkha Janashakti Front and party secretary for Kurseong, on Wednesday visited a site he claims is being developed in violation of municipal norms. He warned that if the Kurseong Municipality fails to intervene promptly, he would launch a “strict agitation” to protest what he described as illegal encroachment.
Allegations of Encroachment on Public Space
Speaking to journalists at the site, Sharma alleged that the structure under construction has been raised on what was previously a dumping ground and that the development has encroached upon road space and drainage lines. According to him, such encroachments could disrupt traffic movement and obstruct water flow, potentially increasing the risk of waterlogging during the monsoon.
He further stated that he had already issued a legal notice to the municipality seeking clarification and action, but claimed there had been no response so far.
“The silence from the civic authority raises serious questions,” Sharma told reporters. “If the construction violates building rules and affects public infrastructure, it must be stopped immediately.”
The leader was accompanied by party member Bimal Tamang during the inspection.
Concerns Over Market Area Structure
In addition to the disputed building, Sharma also expressed suspicion regarding a tin-roofed structure located in a supermarket zone within a park-adjacent area. He alleged that the nature and approval status of this structure require verification.
While he did not provide documentary evidence during his media interaction, Sharma urged the municipality to make all building permissions and land-use records public in the interest of transparency.
Urban planning experts note that hill towns like Kurseong face unique challenges related to space constraints, slope stability, and drainage management. Unauthorized constructions can aggravate these vulnerabilities if not regulated under municipal building bylaws.
Reference to Previous Anti-Encroachment Drives
Sharma also referred to actions taken in 2024, when he claimed to have supported the removal of illegal constructions in the local market sector. According to him, similar enforcement efforts had been undertaken across wards 1 to 20 to regularize structures and maintain civic order.
He argued that consistent enforcement of rules is necessary to prevent selective action. “The law must apply equally to all,” he said, adding that allowing unauthorized construction to continue would set a wrong precedent.
However, municipal officials have not yet publicly responded to the latest allegations. Civic authorities generally require complaints of illegal construction to be verified through site inspection and examination of sanctioned building plans before any demolition or stop-work order is issued.
Municipal Oversight and Legal Process
Under West Bengal municipal regulations, construction within municipal limits requires prior approval of building plans, adherence to zoning laws, and compliance with environmental and safety standards. If a structure is found to be unauthorized, the municipality can issue notices, impose penalties, or order demolition after due process.
Legal experts point out that any action must follow procedural safeguards to prevent arbitrary enforcement. Affected parties typically have the right to present documents or seek legal remedy before demolition is carried out.
In hill subdivisions like Kurseong, where land records and historical usage patterns may be complex, disputes over property and encroachment often require detailed verification.
Political Undertones Ahead of Local Engagements
Although the issue has been framed as a civic matter, it carries political undertones given the involvement of a regional party leader. Civic governance and land management frequently become flashpoints in hill politics, where public land use and commercial expansion are sensitive topics.
Observers note that allegations of illegal construction can quickly escalate into broader debates about transparency, governance, and accountability.
For residents, however, the immediate concern remains practical: ensuring that construction activity does not compromise road access, drainage systems, or public safety.
Call for Transparency and Swift Clarification
Sharma reiterated that his demand is not politically motivated but aimed at protecting public interest. He urged the municipality to conduct an on-site inspection, clarify the approval status of the construction, and take corrective steps if violations are confirmed.
He added that if no action is taken, the party would consider organizing peaceful protests to press for accountability.
As of now, there has been no official statement from Kurseong Municipality confirming whether the structure in question has received building approval. Residents in the area said they are awaiting clarification from civic authorities.
What Happens Next?
The coming days will likely determine whether the issue remains a local dispute or develops into a larger civic controversy. If the municipality initiates an inquiry and shares findings publicly, it may help defuse tensions. Conversely, continued silence could intensify political mobilization.
Urban development experts emphasize that transparent procedures, timely inspections, and clear communication are key to resolving such disputes.
For Kurseong, a town balancing development with environmental sensitivity, the handling of this case may set an important precedent. Whether through administrative review or civic dialogue, stakeholders agree that maintaining lawful and planned growth is essential for the town’s long-term sustainability.
