Kolkata: Responding swiftly to directives from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Bidhannagar police, in collaboration with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), undertook a vigorous operation to clear illegal structures and reclaim public spaces in Salt Lake. The crackdown targeted unauthorized shops and stalls that had encroached upon pavements, particularly around the animal welfare department building and Sector V.
The enforcement action commenced with a 90-minute-long demolition drive at Salt Lake’s KB Block, where 40 illegal shops were razed to the ground. “We coordinated closely with multiple BMC teams to ensure effective execution of the demolition and pushback process,” stated a senior officer from Bidhannagar City Police. Simultaneously, surveys were conducted at the police station level to identify additional areas affected by encroachments. Shop owners affected by the demolition expressed shock and dismay over the abruptness of the operation. “They gave us just two hours to clear our belongings, and then bulldozers demolished everything. We invested significantly in these spots and now face uncertainty,” lamented one shop owner, highlighting the immediate financial and logistical challenges caused by the enforcement drive. In Salt Lake’s Sector V, enforcement efforts focused on warning traders to relocate their stalls to ensure adequate pedestrian space on pavements. “While no bulldozers were deployed here on the first day, authorities are actively engaging with traders to comply with regulations,” noted officials on site, acknowledging the mixed reactions and concerns among temporary shop owners.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s concerns extended beyond pavement encroachments to include illegal constructions on government lands and the indiscriminate dumping of garbage across Salt Lake. While immediate actions included clearing garbage from several locations, significant challenges remain regarding encroachments on government lands and illegal building constructions. “We have initiated a special team across six boroughs to inspect and address cluttered areas prone to illegal constructions. Stop-work notices will be issued promptly, followed by legal actions where necessary,” affirmed a senior BMC official, underscoring the administration’s commitment to restoring order and compliance in Salt Lake. The crackdown underscores Bidhannagar’s resolve to uphold urban planning standards and ensure public safety and convenience in Salt Lake, reflecting a broader strategy to mitigate urban encroachments and maintain civic order across Kolkata’s expanding urban landscape.
