UDMA minister conducts cleanliness drive at Gariahat market

Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister Agnimitra Paul conducted a surprise cleanliness drive at Gariahat Market today.

During her visit, the minister, accompanied by the officials from Kolkata Municipal Corporation, took a detailed note of accumulated waste and extensions of stalls and shops at the market. She even announced that littering of the market place or accumulating waste could also be penalised. “Only keeping your shop clean is not enough. The space in front of the shop also needs to be kept clean else there would be a penalty from 1 September,” she said to one of the shop owners, emphasising maintaining cleanliness at the marketplace.

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Ms Paul also directed the KMC officials to remove plastic or tin sheds individually installed by stall or shop owners. Instead, a single tin shed covering the entire space be installed at the market. She instructed the KMC officials to immediately remove extended installations by the stalls and shops at the market to clear the pathways and ensure free movement of visitors. The minister also declared strict action against any kind of encroachment at the market.

Last week, the state UDMA department announced civic penalties for littering public places. According to the announcement, the state government is to impose fines on people found dirtying roads or public places. The offenders could face a penalty of Rs 100 for spitting. The use of plastic, littering and urinating in public places would attract a penalty of Rs 200, as per the existing municipal laws and regulations. The implementation of these fines and penalties is to officially begin in West Bengal from 1 September.

The UDMA department has also opened a citizen helpline number (1800-345-0938) operating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to improve civic services and resolve citizens’ local complaints.