kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata | June 23, 2026 : The Kankurgachi VIP Market in North Kolkata, West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul expressed strong dissatisfaction over several issues related to sanitation, parking management, and illegal encroachments in the market area on Tuesday morning.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation, the minister visited the busy market area to review its overall condition and functioning. During the inspection, she raised concerns regarding poor waste management, unregulated parking, and the proliferation of illegal advertisements within the market premises.

The minister directed officials to take immediate corrective measures, emphasizing that traders must adhere strictly to cleanliness norms. She warned that failure to maintain proper waste disposal systems could result in penalties imposed by the municipal authorities. She also instructed that parking must be regulated properly and not allowed in unauthorized spaces, as it was causing inconvenience to both shopkeepers and customers.

Agnimitra Paul reportedly expressed her displeasure over the long-standing neglect of the market’s infrastructure. She stated that despite the market being in existence for nearly five decades, it had not witnessed adequate development or modernization. She also noted that waste accumulation in front of shops was a recurring issue that needed urgent attention.

The minister further alleged that illegal advertisements displayed across the market area were leading to significant revenue loss for the municipal corporation. She stressed that strict enforcement of advertising regulations was necessary to ensure proper civic management and revenue recovery.

The visit, she instructed senior Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials, including Joint Commissioner Jyotirmoy Tanti, to take necessary action and implement corrective steps without delay. She emphasized accountability and urged officials to ensure that civic norms are strictly followed in the marketplace.

The inspection is part of a broader initiative by the urban development department to improve cleanliness and infrastructure in major commercial hubs across Kolkata. Authorities are expected to carry out follow-up inspections in the coming weeks to assess compliance with the directives issued during the visit.

The Kankurgachi VIP Market, one of the prominent commercial hubs in North Kolkata, sees heavy footfall daily, and civic authorities have long faced challenges in maintaining order and cleanliness in the area. The latest inspection and directives are expected to bring renewed focus on improving conditions in the market and addressing long-pending civic issues.