West Bengal's Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul conducted a surprise routine inspection at Kolkata's Lansdowne Market on Sunday morning. Accompanied by officials from the Bhowanipore Police Station and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, the minister walked through the market, interacting directly with local shopkeepers to assess on-ground conditions.
During the visit, Minister Paul expressed strong disapproval over severe overcrowding and unlawful shop encroachments occupying public footpaths. Issuing a strict two-day ultimatum, she directed the hawkers to immediately clear the sidewalks, emphasizing that at least two-thirds of the footpath space must be restored for pedestrians before setting up any remaining stall space.
The minister reprimanded vendors for converting public pavements into residential setups using tarpaulins and cots, asserting that street spaces cannot be misused for setting up households. Reaffirming the state government's commitment to stall owners while prioritizing public convenience, she assured traders that alternative shop space would be provided as part of the market expansion initiative.