MAMATA'S CLEAN-UP DRIVE
India Today|July 15, 2024
At last, after ruling the state for 13 years, Mamata Banerjee has come down heavily on that bane of Bengal's urban areas-illegal land encroachment, especially on government land.
Arkamoy Datta Majumdar
MAMATA'S CLEAN-UP DRIVE

Driving this sudden crackdown and show of intent is perhaps the Trinamool Congress's below par performance in urban areas in the recently concluded Lok Sabha election. Poor civic amenities, with narrowing of roads and congestion of urban spaces, are said to have contributed to the TMC's poor show.

The chief minister has addressed three meetings and berated civic body chiefs, administrative officials and law enforcers for failing to provide basic civic amenities to people. Stunningly, she also criticised elected TMC representatives for allowing illegal encroachment in exchange of money.

"Encroachment is the biggest problem. Some people are allowing encroachments for money.... Wherever there is land, it is being encroached," Mamata said during the widely telecast June 24 meeting. She pulled up minister Sujit Bose, the Bidhannagar MLA, for allegedly allowing encroachments in his constituency. Mamata also subtly hinted that 'outsiders' are usurping land in Bengal, thereby altering its demography, and said her government could not carry the burden of people from other states. The state government has sent detailed instructions to district magistrates to prevent illegal occupation of government land.

ACTION AGAINST ENCROACHMENT IS A RESPONSE TO TMC'S POOR LS POLL RESULTS IN URBAN AREAS

After the June 24 meeting, the administration launched a crackdown on illegal street vendors and land encroachments in Kolkata, its surrounding areas and in some districts. In Kolkata, TMC workers dismantled a party office allegedly built on encroached land; in Asansol, the municipality sent a notice to the RSS office for a similar reason.

This story is from the July 15, 2024 edition of India Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 15, 2024 edition of India Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM INDIA TODAYView All
High & Mighty
India Today

High & Mighty

High And Mighty.

time-read
10 mins  |
November 11, 2024 - Special Issue
ELECTRIC MAJESTY
India Today

ELECTRIC MAJESTY

THE EQS SUV SETS A NEW STANDARD FOR A LUXURY FAMILY VEHICLE

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024 - Special Issue
SMALL IS IN
India Today

SMALL IS IN

IT'S SMALL WONDER that when it comes to size, there are such distinct preferences, particularly when it comes to watches.

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024 - Special Issue
WHAT'S COOKING?
India Today

WHAT'S COOKING?

The new culinary hotspots of gourmet Michelin dining in Hong Kong

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024 - Special Issue
NEED OF THE HOUR
India Today

NEED OF THE HOUR

Is the tenth time the charm for Apple’s iconic wearable? Let’s clock in.

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024 - Special Issue
A Symphony Smoke of and Style
India Today

A Symphony Smoke of and Style

Pairing some of the most feted peated whiskies from India and around the world.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 11, 2024 - Special Issue
THE TOP SHELF INDIAN SPIRITS
India Today

THE TOP SHELF INDIAN SPIRITS

Toasting some of the finest sips from around the country

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024 - Special Issue
THAI HIGH
India Today

THAI HIGH

What's it like to stay in the best hotel in the world? Spice spends a decadent weekend at Capella Bangkok, awarded the best hotel in the world by The World's 50 Best Hotels 2024.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024 - Special Issue
OUR FAVORITE F WORDS
India Today

OUR FAVORITE F WORDS

Why fashion and food are frolicking together in an epic romance.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 11, 2024 - Special Issue
Past Perfect
India Today

Past Perfect

Whether it is to create cultural touchstones, a springboard for creativity, or save the planet, many chefs are revisiting traditional cooking techniques and sustainable practices.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024 - Special Issue