Mamata Banerjee Addresses Hawkers’ Issues and Encroachment in West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a meeting on Thursday to discuss the issues faced by hawkers and the problem of encroachment in the state. The meeting took place at Nabanna Sabhaghar, and all concerned officials were present.

Focus on Hawkers’ Livelihoods

During the meeting, Mamata Banerjee assured that the livelihoods of vendors are a top priority. She promised that their stalls would not be bulldozed but instead rehabilitated. She mentioned plans to talk to the hawkers’ committee in Kolkata and work on their rehabilitation. She also proposed providing state-colored carts to keep their goods and dedicated buildings with fire safety arrangements in every district.

Addressing Fire Incidents

The Chief Minister highlighted that fire incidents have been reported in Bada Bazaar, but no renovation has taken place. She emphasized the need to make a list of all markets and ensure that nobody’s livelihood is taken away. She stated, “I don’t believe in providing spaces by escorting money and then, running bulldozers over them. Hawkers should be made to sit where there is a proper place, there will be no encroachment on the irrigation canal.”

Investigating Encroachment

Earlier in the week, Mamata Banerjee chaired a meeting with the Howrah Municipal Corporation, where she identified encroachment as the city’s biggest problem. She directed Howrah Police and the State Chief Secretary to investigate the encroachment on government land and take action against those responsible. She noted that illegal construction is rampant in Howrah, and the city lacks proper drainage systems.