West Bengal to fine builders for dumping materials on roads from September 1
West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul said on Sunday that people who leave construction materials such as sand, bricks and stones
West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul said on Sunday that people who leave construction materials such as sand, bricks and stones on public roads while building houses will face penalties from September 1. She said roads cannot be used to store such materials and property owners must keep them within their premises. Paul also said owners of vacant plots would be responsible for keeping their land clean, and warned of strict action against illegal parking. She urged hawkers not to occupy entire footpaths, but said no eviction drive against them would be carried out until the end of the Durga Puja festivities.
Read Full Story Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme at the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, Paul said, “People cannot leave stones, sand and bricks on the road while constructing houses. We will impose fines. Roads are not anyone's private property.” She said landowners cannot leave vacant plots overgrown with bushes or clogged with drains and waterbodies for years, as such conditions could contribute to mosquito breeding and increase the risk of diseases such as dengue. Maintaining vacant land, like maintaining one's house and its surroundings, is the responsibility of the owner, she said.
Reiterating the government's recent measures to improve civic discipline, Paul said vehicles must be parked only in designated parking spaces and reminded people that the state government is introducing a dedicated parking app. Those parking cars or motorcycles on footpaths would also face hefty fines, she added. Paul also urged hawkers occupying entire footpaths to move back and leave adequate space for pedestrians. In summary, Paul announced fines from September 1 for keeping construction materials on public roads, said vacant plot owners would have to keep their land clean, warned of action against illegal parking and asked hawkers to leave space on footpaths, while saying no eviction drive against them would be carried out until the end of the Durga Puja festivities.
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