Kolkata

West Bengal Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Monday carried out a surprise inspection of the busy Gariahat Market in south Kolkata and directed officials and traders to improve sanitation, infrastructure and safety standards.

Accompanied by departmental officers, the minister visited the market early in the morning and expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of cleanliness and maintenance.

"We are accountable to the people of Bengal. We have started with Gariahat today, and similar inspections will be carried out in markets across the state," Paul told reporters.

Sanitation Measures Announced

The minister instructed shopkeepers to ensure cleanliness in front of their establishments and warned that violations would attract penalties.

Among the measures announced were:

• Separate toilet facilities for men and women.
• Installation of concrete slabs in slippery sections to prevent accidents.
• Construction of drainage channels between shops.
• Daily cleaning of drains, especially near fish and meat stalls.
• Cleaning of the market premises three times a day by sanitation workers.

Paul also directed every shop to maintain a dustbin and asked fish and meat vendors to adhere to strict hygiene standards.

"Any shop found with garbage dumped in front of it will be fined," she said.

Crackdown on Encroachments and Plastic Use

The minister ordered traders to remove unauthorised shop extensions beyond their allotted spaces within a week.

She also announced that:

• Cycles would not be allowed inside the market.
• Dedicated cycle stands would be created outside.
• Irregular tarpaulin structures hanging across the market would be removed.
• Fire safety infrastructure would be reviewed and strengthened.

Reiterating the state's ban on plastic carry bags, Paul warned that violators would face a fine of Rs 200.

To encourage compliance, she said vending machines dispensing reusable bags would be installed in markets for customers who arrive without their own bags.

Stricter Enforcement Planned

Paul said existing penalties for littering, spitting and urinating in public places would now be enforced more rigorously.

She also directed officials to examine the feasibility of installing permanent sheds in market areas as part of broader infrastructure improvements.

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The minister indicated that similar inspections would be conducted in markets across West Bengal in the coming weeks as part of a wider cleanliness and civic management drive.