Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Kolkata's Century-Old Markets Face Encroachment, Hygiene and Infrastructure Problems
Kolkata has several very old and busy markets.
Many people say these markets need cleaner surroundings and better facilities.
Hawkers sometimes occupy sidewalks and roads, making it difficult for shoppers and vehicles to move.
This problem can become worse before Durga Puja.
Some shoppers want the markets to stay traditional and unchanged.
Other shoppers and traders want renovations, better drainage, parking, and regular cleaning.
At some markets, garbage, bad smells, standing water, flies, and mosquitoes are concerns.
Minister Agnimitra Paul is inspecting the markets and warning people about rule violations.
The government says it wants to improve sanitation, safety, and infrastructure.
Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul has conducted surprise inspections of Kolkata markets and announced sanitation, infrastructure, and safety measures.
New Market faces pavement and road encroachments by hawkers, especially during pre-Durga Puja shopping.
Traders and shoppers at Jadu Babur Bazar called for renovation, improved drainage, and solutions to parking and hawker encroachment.
Lake Market shoppers identified cleanliness as a major concern, while Bataitalla market residents cited garbage, odors, waterlogging, and poor hygiene.
Some shoppers want traditional market conditions preserved, while others support stronger regulation, rehabilitation, cleaning, drainage, and parking improvements.
- Who
- West Bengal Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul, market traders, hawkers, shoppers, and local residents.
- What
- The government is inspecting Kolkata markets and proposing measures to address encroachment, sanitation, safety, parking, drainage, and infrastructure problems.
- When
- Inspections are taking place under the BJP-led government; congestion is especially noted before Durga Puja and waterlogging during monsoons.
- Where
- New Market, also known as Hogg Market, Jadu Babur Bazar, Lake Market, and Bataitalla market in and around Kolkata.
- Why
- The measures aim to improve market sanitation, infrastructure, and safety while addressing pavement encroachment and other longstanding problems.
Reform and Regulation Advocates
Tradition and Hawker-Livelihood Advocates
Pavement and road encroachment
Reform and Regulation Advocates
Some traders and shoppers say hawkers obstruct streets and sidewalks, create congestion, and should be regulated or rehabilitated.
Tradition and Hawker-Livelihood Advocates
Other shoppers say roadside hawkers are central to New Market's unique character and want conditions to remain as they are.
Market renovation
Reform and Regulation Advocates
Traders and residents support renovation, improved drainage, parking, sanitation, and broader infrastructure upgrades.
Tradition and Hawker-Livelihood Advocates
Some long-time shoppers prefer the traditional appearance and experience of the markets and do not want major changes.
Enforcement priorities
Reform and Regulation Advocates
The minister and reform advocates support warnings and possible fines for violations, along with cleaner and safer markets.
Tradition and Hawker-Livelihood Advocates
A local trader complained that police fine customers for briefly parking bikes while hawkers continue occupying footpaths, arguing enforcement should address both issues fairly.
- Minister
- Agnimitra Paul, West Bengal's Urban Development Minister
- New Market
- Also known as Hogg Market, it is a century-old heritage market in central Kolkata.
- Main encroachment issue
- Hawkers occupy pavements and sections of roads, with congestion worsening before Durga Puja.
- Jadu Babur Bazar
- Traders and shoppers cited a lack of renovation, parking problems, and monsoon water accumulation.
- Lake Market
- Shoppers identified cleanliness as a major problem.
- Bataitalla market
- Residents reported garbage, stench, waterlogging, water spillage, flies, mosquitoes, congestion, and limited parking.
- Proposed responses
- Regular cleaning, garbage disposal, drainage, parking arrangements, and action on encroachment were requested.