2 weeks ago
Kolkata TVC mulls deputation to CM over anti-encroachment drive
In the city of Kolkata, many people sell things on the footpaths.
Some people think the footpaths are too crowded and want them cleared.
The government started a drive to remove sellers from busy areas like Esplanade and Park Street.
A group called the Town Vending Committee helps look after the sellers.
The committee members want to talk to the Chief Minister about this.
They think the committee should be asked before any action is taken.
People who walk on the footpaths say they need more space to walk safely.
The sellers say they need to work to earn money and want a meeting to solve the problem.
The committee says if they are not listened to, they may protest or go to court.
Kolkata's Town Vending Committee members are considering a deputation to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari over the anti-encroachment drive in Esplanade and Park Street.
On 15 August, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya instructed local party leaders to decongest footpath encroachments in Dharmatala.
State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul hinted at making Park Street hawker-free.
Pedestrians near the Grand Hotel said walkable footpath space is much needed, while a hawkers' body in New Market urged dialogue involving hawkers, the TVC, and government officials.
TVC member Asit Saha warned that if the committee is bypassed in action against hawkers, members would take the legal route or protest on the streets.
- Who
- Town Vending Committee members, hawkers, pedestrians, and state officials including Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya, and Minister Agnimitra Paul.
- What
- The Town Vending Committee is considering a deputation to the Chief Minister over the anti-encroachment drive targeting footpaths in Esplanade and Park Street.
- Where
- Kolkata, specifically Esplanade, Park Street, Dharmatala, and New Market.
- When
- Following the BJP's 15 August instruction to decongest footpath encroachments in Dharmatala.
- Why
- To seek intervention in the anti-encroachment drive and ensure hawkers' interests and the TVC's authority are considered.
Hawkers and TVC perspective
Government and pedestrian perspective
Footpath clearance drive
Hawkers and TVC perspective
Hawkers say hawking is crucial for hawkers and middle-class citizens, and problems like plastic sheds and increased encroachment should be solved only through dialogue.
Government and pedestrian perspective
Pedestrians and state authorities say walkable footpath space is much needed, certain pockets are unwalkable, and the drive to decongest footpaths is firm.
TVC authority
Hawkers and TVC perspective
TVC members say decisions on hawkers are legally the task of the Town Vending Committee, and if it is not consulted, they will take the legal route or protest.
Government and pedestrian perspective
State authorities maintain they can take regulatory steps to clear encroachments from footpaths in the city's hotspots.
Key facts
- Location
- Esplanade and Park Street, Kolkata
- Committee
- Town Vending Committee (TVC)
- Chief Minister
- Suvendu Adhikari
- BJP state president
- Samik Bhattacharya
- Urban Development Minister
- Agnimitra Paul
- BJP instruction date
- 15 August
- Hawkers' demand
- Dialogue involving hawkers, TVC, and government officials
- TVC warning
- Legal route or street protest if bypassed
Quotes
Kolkata municipal official Asit Saha
Member of the existing Town Vending Committee of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation
“"We agree that the number of hawkers has increased in parts of Esplanade, Park Street or even Lansdown Market. The state authorities can take regulatory steps. But as per the legal norms, it is the task of the Town Vending Committee to take such decisions on hawkers."”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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