Traders, handicrafts bodies demand holding Poush Mela
Poush Mela used to be jointly organised by the Santiniketan Trust and Visva-Bharati University. Last time the Poush Mela was held at the Purba Pally Ground was in 2019.
Two days after state tourism minister Gautam Deb warned against illegal constructions at Bidhan Market, the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) today asked traders concerned to dismantle such construction within three days, failing which legal action will be taken against the persons concerned.
Meanwhile, Siliguri mayor Asok Bhattacharya said they would meet SJDA chairman Bijoy Chandra Barman with some proposals over the reconstruction of the market, which is maintained by the SJDA. SJDA officials said that during their visit to the market on 13 July, they found around 20 stalls being illegally constructed with a tin shed, and that the construction was going on without anyone obtaining any permission from the development body.
“All persons concerned are directed to dismantle or remove the same within three days of issue of the letter, failing which legal action will be initiated against such persons/illegal structure,” the notice reads.
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During his visit to the market on Saturday, following information of such illegal structures, Mr Deb had alleged that at least 20 shops were being built illegally at a place where seven shops were gutted in a fire last month.
While condemning the practice, he said such constructions would not be allowed to come up. Mr Deb said he would send reports to Nabanna. Immediately after his remarks, a section of traders staged a road blockade in the area.
Several incidents of fire have occurred in the past few decades at the market, with losses amounting to several corers of rupees, while a proposal to rebuild the market remains pending. The condition prevailing there is a cause of worry for the fire department also, given the congested lanes and road encroachment.
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