Siliguri: From Sept 1, the govt would launch a state-wide enforcement drive against illegal construction, encroachment, plastic pollution and public nuisance. Builders found storing bricks, sand, stone chips or other construction materials on public roads would face strict penalties.“If you are constructing a house, keep all your building materials inside your premises. Roads are not your private property where you can dump sand and bricks. Similarly, owners of vacant plots cannot allow them to become mosquito breeding grounds. The neighbourhood cannot suffer from dengue because one owner refuses to clean his land,” urban development and municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul said on Sunday.Clarifying the govt’s stand on roadside encroachment, she referred to CM Suvendu Adhikari’s directions regarding hawkers.“The CM has said no action will be taken against hawkers till puja. But that does not mean footpaths can be occupied completely. At least two-thirds of pavement must remain open for pedestrians,” she said.Paul also announced that spot fines ranging between Rs 200 and Rs 400 would be imposed across Bengal from Sept 1 for use of plastic, public spitting and urination. To reduce dependence on plastic, the govt plans to introduce 100% biodegradable bags made from rice and pineapple waste, along with cotton bags priced between Rs 5 and Rs 10, to be distributed through vending machines.She also announced an app-based parking management system to eliminate unauthorised parking collections and middlemen. Under the new system, motorists will pay digitally, while one-side parking, designated parking stickers and authorised personnel carrying jackets and photo ID cards will be introduced from Sept 1. Violations will attract e-challans generated directly through the app.
