Mayor Dipak Majumder assures licensed vendors of rehabilitation after Howrah Market eviction, promising new shops within a month. The municipal drive targets illegal encroachments, traffic congestion, and unlawful activities to restore order and public convenience.
Following the demolition of Howrah Market, Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder on Sunday visited the site to assess the post-eviction situation and assured licensed vendors that they would be rehabilitated with newly constructed shops within a month. The assurance comes amid concerns raised by traders who were affected by the recent eviction drive carried out by the municipal administration.
During the inspection, Mayor Majumder interacted with traders, local residents, and municipal officials to review the impact of the eviction and the steps required for orderly redevelopment. Speaking to reporters at the site, he emphasized that the municipal corporation remains committed to protecting the livelihood of genuine, licensed vendors.
“Within one month, the corporation will construct proper shops for vendors who hold valid licenses. No genuine trader will be left without rehabilitation,” the Mayor said, underlining the administration’s intent to balance urban regulation with social responsibility.
The Mayor explained that Howrah Market had, over the years, become a hub of multiple illegal activities that severely disrupted lawful trade. According to him, unregulated stalls, illegal liquor sales, and gambling activities had created a chaotic environment, making it difficult for licensed vendors to conduct business peacefully. These issues, he noted, were also a major cause of repeated complaints from the public.
Traffic congestion in the area had become another persistent problem. Mayor Majumder pointed out that widespread encroachments on roads and footpaths significantly reduced road space, leading to frequent traffic snarls and inconvenience to commuters. Emergency vehicles, pedestrians, and daily office-goers were among those most affected.
Clarifying the intent behind the eviction drive, the Mayor stated that the action was not sudden or arbitrary. He said the drive was part of a regular municipal initiative aimed at removing illegal encroachments from public spaces to ensure smooth traffic flow, public safety, and urban cleanliness.
“Strict action will continue against those who occupy public spaces illegally. Anyone violating municipal rules should be prepared to face similar action,” he warned, making it clear that the administration would maintain a firm stance against unauthorized constructions.
The Mayor further informed that such eviction and inspection drives would be conducted at different times of the day to prevent encroachments from reappearing and to ensure round-the-clock monitoring. He stressed that maintaining discipline in public spaces is essential for the city’s long-term development.
Majumder also reiterated that the municipal administration would not compromise on issues related to cleanliness, safety, and lawful use of public land. He added that rehabilitation efforts would strictly prioritize licensed vendors, while those operating without valid documentation would not be eligible for alternative arrangements.
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The Municipal Commissioner, senior officials of the corporation, and local corporators accompanied the Mayor during the visit. Officials said a detailed plan for shop construction and vendor verification is already under preparation and will be implemented in a time-bound manner.
The visit and assurance have brought cautious optimism among licensed traders, many of whom expressed hope that the promised rehabilitation would restore stability to their livelihoods while contributing to a more organized and traffic-friendly market area.
