Kolkata to Free Heritage Buildings From Ad Hoardings and Banners
The Kolkata civic body has announced a significant drive to rid the exteriors of heritage buildings of all commercial advertisement hoardings, banners, and festoons. This initiative is a crucial step towards urban beautification and the preservation of the city’s rich history, which has long been overshadowed by a chaotic visual clutter. The move, spearheaded by the city’s mayor, is a testament to the growing recognition that a sustainable and equitable city is one that respects its past while building for the future. The project aligns with a broader agenda of creating a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing urban environment for both residents and tourists.
The drive’s foundational step involves a collaboration with two of the state’s leading engineering institutes, Jadavpur University and the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology. These institutions have been tasked with the meticulous process of identifying all heritage buildings in the city based on their historical and archaeological relevance. This academic partnership ensures that the selection process is grounded in expert knowledge and historical accuracy, preventing arbitrary decisions. Once the inventory of heritage structures is complete, the civic authorities will proceed with the systematic removal of all visual pollutants that currently obscure their architectural details. This action is critical, as many of these buildings, in some cases, have their entire facades covered, rendering their historical significance invisible to the public.
Beyond just the removal of hoardings, the initiative includes a multi-faceted approach to urban renewal. The plan also includes the illumination of the front facades of these heritage structures, a move that will not only enhance their aesthetic appeal but also promote safety and visibility. Furthermore, the authorities have announced a strict policy to disallow hawkers from operating directly in front of these buildings, which will clear pedestrian pathways and create a more accessible and enjoyable public space. These measures are particularly timely, as they are being implemented ahead of the Durga Puja festival, a time when Kolkata welcomes a large influx of visitors from both within India and abroad. The beautification drive is set to offer these visitors a more authentic and visually stunning experience of the city’s cultural heritage.
This move is not an isolated one; it builds upon a previous decision by the civic body to declare several key intersections in the city as no-hoarding zones. By expanding this policy to include heritage buildings, the administration is making a bold statement about its commitment to sustainable urban development. The initiative is a powerful example of how a government body can take a stand in favour of a cleaner, more organised urban landscape, one that is not dominated by commercial interests. The ultimate goal is to create a city that is not only economically vibrant but also environmentally and culturally rich, providing a high quality of life for all its citizens. By restoring these heritage buildings to their former glory, Kolkata is not just beautifying its streets; it is reinforcing its identity as a city of art, culture, and history, while building a more sustainable and equitable future.
