Sreelekha Mitra Pens Open Letter To Agnimitra Paul On Demolition Drive In Kolkata

West Bengal Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Monday conducted a surprise inspection of the Gariahat market in south Kolkata and directed officers and traders to improve sanitation and infrastructure. In the last few weeks, a major demolition drive targeting unauthorized and dangerous constructions across Kolkata has been in place.

I have known you for years, and I wanted to share a few personal thoughts. These are people born and raised within this very system, taught for years that this is normal. Now their very existence seems to have become a political issue. Cleaning the city is a worthy and necessary goal. Civic sense matters. But sadly Rome was not built in a day."

She added, “People need education, sustainable livelihoods, and a life above the poverty line before they can be expected to change. The economy must be addressed before targeting those struggling to survive. Instead of only fining people for spitting on the streets, address why such behaviour exists in the first place.”

The economy must grow without widening the gap between rich and poor. Let us bridge that gap, educate, and uplift the poor instead of pushing them further to the margins. I hope you understand.

Meanwhile, the minister announced several measures, including separate toilets for men and women, installation of concrete slabs in slippery areas to prevent accidents, and construction of drainage channels between shops. She said drains, particularly those near fish and meat shops, must be cleaned daily, while sanitation workers would clean the market three times a day.

"Any shop found with garbage dumped in front of it will be fined," Paul said, adding that every shop must keep a dustbin and fish and meat vendors must maintain strict hygiene. She also directed the removal of unauthorised shop extensions beyond allotted spaces within a week. The minister asked officers to examine the possibility of setting up permanent sheds in market areas and stressed the need to strengthen fire safety arrangements.