KOLKATA, 7 OCT: Even after the East Kolkata Wetland Management Authority (EKWMA) had served stop work notice to a proposed vocational training centre for an illegal construction (in sns photo) at the protected area in Sonarpur, the latter asked for a no-objection certificate allegedly with political backing. The builder, who had sought for the NOC, had already constructed the building at Chak Kolar Khal Mouja in Sonarpur before the wetland authorities could serve stop work notice. EKWMA had served stop work notice to the foundation a year ago. But recently the builder had sought permission to complete the construction on the site that falls under the Ramsar Convention which encourages conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Sources said the builders are aware that the construction is illegal, they are but using political clout to get the NOC. Encroachment on Ramsar site is not new, but the Trinamul Congress had earlier claimed in its manifesto to ensure "solid waste management" and protection of greenery. "There is political pressure to grant NOC to the foundation. It is very unfortunate that even after the change in government there is hardly any political will to stop illegal construction and encroachment in the area. Politics of land grab continues in the protected area unabated," said an officer of EKWMA. There are 200 FIRs against illegal construction after the construction of EKWMA, said the officer. In its letter the builders asked for “No-objection for construction and development of land and building to facilitate free vocational training centre for the local people to make them ready for gainful employment." The land falls under the Urban Rural Settlement Area of mouza Chak Kolar Khal as per table 7 of East Kolkata Wetland Conservation and Management Act 2006. But interestingly, on 28 February 2011, the Kheyadaha-II Gram Panchayat sanctioned the building plan, the letter stated. Mr Dipayan Dey, an environmentalist who works on the protection of wetland, said: "The local panchyat has no authority to sanction building plan since the area falls under Ramsar site and is under the authority of EKWMA. But the site is a favourite one hunting ground of land sharks. There is a nexus between realtors, politicians and local land mafia which even sold plot at a high price." Another officer of EKWMA said: “This is a ploy to transform the construction to a private college or school after the completion of the building. That happened earlier. We are not taking any chance now." However, no one from the builder could be contacted despite repeated attempts.