Kolkata is set to witness a significant cultural addition as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee prepares to lay the foundation stone for a grand new temple complex dedicated to Goddess Durga. The project, named 'Durgangan', is coming up on a sprawling 17.2-acre plot in New Town's Action Area I, directly opposite the bustling New Town bus terminus crossing.
Preparations in Full Swing for Monday's Grand Event
Ahead of the official ceremony scheduled for Monday, the site was a hive of activity on Sunday. Workers were diligently putting finishing touches to ensure a seamless event. A large German hanger tent with an elevated platform has been erected at the location to host the function.
Officials confirmed that seating arrangements have been made to accommodate approximately 4,000 people for the launch. A brightly decorated stage with a vibrant backdrop stands ready for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other government dignitaries.
New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) personnel were observed beautifying the surrounding footpaths. They planted small shrubs and applied fresh coats of paint. Simultaneously, earthmovers and water sprinklers were deployed to level the ground around the main pandal. A special pathway has also been constructed for the Chief Minister's entry to the dais.
Project Details and Last-Minute Location Shift
The West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO) is acting as the nodal agency for this ambitious project. Senior officials were present on-site Sunday to supervise the final preparations.
Interestingly, the temple complex was initially planned for a plot of land opposite the popular Eco Park. However, the government made a last-minute change in location. A government official explained the rationale, stating that the current site is more prominent, boasts better connectivity to adjacent residential neighborhoods, and offers a larger ground area.
Local residents have taken note of the rapid transformation. Rajat Bose, a local, remarked, "The ground was earlier vacant with bushes and weeds. The place is now already looking great."
Resident Reactions: Hope and Concerns
While the project is largely welcomed as a celebration of Bengali heritage, it has also sparked practical concerns among those living nearby. Biswajit Majumder, a resident of the Eastern High housing complex opposite the site, expressed mixed feelings.
"Durgangan is a great idea as it solidifies Bengal's rich heritage and culture," Majumder said. "We also know that the project, close to our home, will make the area look more vibrant. However, there is a concern that this will turn an already crowded junction into a more unmanageable place, unless the authorities do some planning regarding it."
He also voiced a hope that the government would consider developing open spaces for sports and recreation for New Town residents alongside such cultural infrastructure.
The launch of Durgangan marks a major step in adding a landmark religious and cultural site to New Town's landscape, with its success likely hinging on how well the accompanying civic and traffic management plans are executed.
