Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and CM Mamata Banerjee Tackle Illegal Parking and Hawker Encroachment

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 29: Kolkata Mayor and state Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim announced that the issues of illegal parking and hawker encroachment on footpaths will be resolved soon. The civic authorities will identify paid and free parking spots and issue GI tags for stalls.

Hakim stated, “In one month, we will identify paid and free parking spots. Before that, if anyone collects money, the police will arrest that person and take action against him.” He also mentioned that the process of giving GI tags to stalls will limit the number of stalls and ensure that hawkers with GI tags become the rightful owners.

Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a meeting to address the hawker and encroachment issues. She assured that vendors’ livelihoods are a priority and that their stalls will be rehabilitated, not bulldozed. Banerjee emphasized the need for proper places for hawkers and fire safety arrangements in markets.

Banerjee also highlighted the problem of encroachment on government land and directed Howrah Police and the State Chief Secretary to investigate and take action against those responsible. She stressed that encroachment is a significant issue and that people should not be allowed to occupy vacant spaces illegally.