West Bengal’s new BJP government has started its innings with promise, generating huge expectations. Urban development is a key area for the new dispensation, in view of the decades of neglect, unplanned growth and infrastructural shortcomings plaguing Kolkata and other urban areas. The urbane and sophisticated Agnimitra Paul, a renowned fashion designer-turned-politician, has been assigned the crucial Urban Development and Municipal Affairs portfolio. In a free-wheeling interview with Snehal Sengupta, she speaks about her ministry’s immediate and long-term priorities.
Q: You have assumed charge of the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department at a time when West Bengal’s cities are facing multiple civic challenges. What are your immediate priorities?
A: We have already prepared a clear roadmap and work has began. My department has identified five priority areas that require urgent attention: protection of water bodies, scientific waste management, universal piped drinking water, improved sanitation, and technology-driven civic governance. These are not isolated issues; they are interconnected and fundamental to improving the quality of life in urban West Bengal.
Q: West Bengal is the only state that continues to have the Urban Land Ceiling law. What is the State Government’s stand on it?
A: We believe the legislation has become a significant impediment to investment and urban development. The state Finance Minister has also said in the Assembly that this Act must be reviewed if we are to attract big-ticket investments and businesses. A modern economy requires a modern land policy. Removing unnecessary regulatory barriers will make it easier to develop infrastructure, create employment and stimulate economic growth while ensuring planned urban expansion.
Q: How do you propose to tackle corruption and the unholy nexus between urban local bodies and builders which have come to the fore again by the warehouse collapse in Taratala?
A: The entire process relating to the sanctioning of the building plan has been placed under investigation. We all know that the previous government was steeped in corruption, and the KMC, as an urban local body, was no different. We want to ensure that such an incident is not repeated. That is why a safety audit has been launched across multiple civic bodies covering under-construction buildings whose plans were approved during the erstwhile Trinamool regime in the state. We also want to put an end to the culture of bribery that prevailed in the past. We are determined to dismantle the illegal nexus that existed within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and other urban local bodies. We must hold everyone accountable.
Q: How do you plan to revive the wetlands across the State, particularly in Kolkata?
A: It is unbelievable that over the past 15 years illegal filling of ponds and wetlands was allowed to continue unchecked. Even the East Kolkata Wetlands, a protected Ramsar site, have not been spared. That is unacceptable. We have initiated surveys to identify illegal encroachments and unauthorised constructions. Protecting these wetlands is essential, not only for environmental conservation but also for preventing urban flooding.
Q: The East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority (EKWMA) has issued notices to a large number of unauthorised structures. Will you demolish them?
A: Illegal buildings anywhere will be dealt with firmly. We will first allow time for owners to produce documents proving the legality of their structures. If they fail to do so, and if the EKWMA confirms that the structure is unauthorised, then the law will take its own course.
Q: Critics have alleged that demolition and eviction drives are politically motivated. What is your response?
A: Those allegations are entirely unfounded. The Government’s objective is to enforce the law, remove illegal encroachments where necessary and improve civic infrastructure. Administrative action should not be viewed through a political lens. Q: Urban development in West Bengal has traditionally centred around Kolkata. How do you plan to change that? A: Development cannot remain confined to Kolkata. We want to strengthen Tier-II and Tier-III cities by improving housing, civic infrastructure and economic opportunities. Through the proposed City Economic Region (CER) model, we intend to create stronger regional growth centres capable of attracting investment, generating employment and supporting balanced urbanisation across the State.
Q: While some ghats of the Hooghly River have been beautified, many remain in a poor condition. What is your view?
A: The Ganga is one of Bengal’s greatest natural and cultural assets, and we want to restore its riverfront. We have proposed a Rs 200-crore riverfront development project in the State Budget. Once implemented, the project will be carried out jointly by agencies including the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the State Irrigation Department. The project will focus on beautifying the riverbank, cleaning the ghats, improving lighting and developing river mobility.
Q: Waste management remains one of the biggest challenges for municipalities. How does your government intend to address it?
A: We need to view waste as a resource. Our government intends to establish sewage treatment and solid waste recycling units through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. Construction and demolition waste can be recycled into paver blocks, while plastic waste can be incorporated into asphalt used for road construction. Organic waste can be utilised to generate biogas. These initiatives will not only improve sanitation but also create new sources of revenue for urban local bodies.
Q: The Dhapa dumping ground has become a major environmental concern. What are your plans?
A: Dhapa is Kolkata’s only active dumping ground and is located very close to the East Kolkata Wetlands, a protected Ramsar site. Managing it scientifically is therefore essential. We intend to establish a biogas generation plant, composting facilities and biomedical waste treatment units at Dhapa. Our objective is to reduce the environmental impact of the landfill while converting waste into useful resources.
Q : Water supply remains inadequate in several municipalities. How do you plan to tackle this problem?
A: Many people still depend on illegal pumps and alternative arrangements because piped water supply is inadequate. Our objective is simple: every household in West Bengal should receive reliable piped drinking water. We are actively working towards achieving this, and we will utilise funds from the Jal Jeevan Mission to do so. The Centre has already allocated Rs 39,000 crore to Bengal under this scheme. We are also planning large-scale rainwater harvesting. All government buildings, large residential complexes and commercial establishments must have rainwater harvesting systems. The industry must also contribute.
Q: How will you improve sanitation?
A: Sanitation remains one of my top priorities. We need more public toilets, especially for women, and better sanitation facilities in schools. At the same time, Bengal must improve its performance in the national cleanliness rankings. Smaller cities such as Bhopal and Lucknow have demonstrated what can be achieved through sustained civic management. There is no reason why our municipalities cannot aspire to similar standards.
Q: What is your long-term vision for urban West Bengal?
A: My vision is to build cleaner, smarter, and more liveable cities through transparent governance, technology-driven civic administration, scientific waste management, improved infrastructure and active public participation. Urban development is not merely about constructing roads and buildings. It is about protecting our environment, attracting investment, creating employment, improving public transport and delivering a better quality of life for every resident of West Bengal.