The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is set to embark on a comprehensive digital survey of hawker zones across the city’s wards. This initiative aims to provide a detailed mapping of areas designated for hawking, marking a significant step towards better regulation and management of street vendors. Alongside this, the KMC is also forming a committee to survey tanneries within the city, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
The digital survey, which begins on Thursday, involves around 560 KMC workers tasked with mapping hawking zones in all wards. This effort follows the initiation of a second round of physical surveys of hawkers. After the recent meeting of the Town Vending Committee, a comprehensive report will be submitted to Nabanna for further decision-making. Municipal officials emphasised the importance of completing this task within a seven-day timeframe, following consultations with borough executives.
The (MMIC) official overseeing the hawker rehabilitation initiative stated that the findings from the first survey round have already been submitted to Nabanna. The second round is expected to conclude in the next two to three days. Simultaneously, the digital survey will provide an extensive overview of hawker activities, covering roads and alleys across the wards. This dual approach will offer a holistic understanding of the hawker landscape in Kolkata, aiding in the formulation of policies and measures for effective management. In parallel, KMC has convened a meeting with the police and state pollution control board officials to address the issue of tanneries operating within city limits. A committee has been established, comprising members from KMC, the pollution control board, and the police, to conduct a thorough survey of tanneries in areas such as Park Circus. This decision aligns with a Supreme Court directive mandating the removal of tanneries from the city’s core, with most operations already relocated to Bantola.
However, recent complaints regarding the illegal functioning of certain tanneries have prompted the KMC to take further action. The Mayor has instructed the KMC environment department to carry out inspections to verify these allegations. The committee’s findings will be compiled into a report, expected to be submitted within a month, upon which appropriate measures will be taken. These initiatives underscore the KMC’s commitment to urban planning and environmental governance. By implementing digital technology and stringent monitoring mechanisms, the corporation aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure, ensure compliance with legal mandates, and safeguard public health. The upcoming reports and subsequent actions will be crucial in shaping Kolkata’s urban management and regulatory framework, ensuring a balanced coexistence of economic activities and environmental preservation.
