The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has formally initiated steps to reclaim a portion of Wellington Square Park from the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC), now that crucial utility work for the metro project there is complete. The civic body plans to use the land for essential public infrastructure projects, including a water booster pumping station and a health centre.
Mayor's Push and Councillor's Proposal
Mayor Firhad Hakim has decided to write to the KMRC, urging the official and earliest handover of the park land. This move follows a growing demand from within the KMC, spearheaded by Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Indranil Kumar.
Kumar has highlighted the urgent need for a water booster pumping station to ensure a steady supply of potable water at uniform pressure to large parts of central Kolkata. Additionally, he has proposed setting up a health centre, specifically to cater to patients requiring dialysis, serving the area and its adjacent neighbourhoods. Kumar also raised concerns, alleging that the currently unused land has become a spot for anti-social activities after dark.
The Lingering Challenge: The 20-Metre Deep Shaft
A significant point of discussion is the fate of a 20-meter deep ventilation-cum-evacuation shaft constructed below the park. Authorities have not yet decided on its demolition. The shaft was originally built when the plan for an underground station at the location was revised. It was intended to serve the East-West Metro corridor, India's first under-river metro linking Howrah Maidan with Sector V.
However, the plan was dropped two years ago because the porous soil conditions in the Subodh Mullick Square area posed a severe challenge. Repeated attempts to link the twin metro tunnels with the shaft resulted in cave-ins. Finally, the Union Urban Development Ministry removed this construction hurdle, which had delayed the full 16.6 km operations of the corridor for over five years.
With the Green Line now operational across its entire stretch, the land and the shaft are of no current use to KMRC. An official stated that the corporation is ready to hand it back to the KMC, the original owner. However, engineers have flagged that razing the deep shaft is a "tricky proposition" that could disturb ground stability, making it equally hazardous. KMRC has decided to keep the shaft for now, in case it is needed in the future.
Path Forward and Formal Handover
Sources indicate that the KMRC will convene a meeting to discuss all outstanding issues before the formal handover to the KMC. An official clarified that these matters need resolution before any formal communication is sent to the state government or the KMC. The KMRC has already removed the barricades and temporary constructions around Wellington Square, but the ventilation shaft remains untouched.
The resolution of this land tussle is keenly awaited, as it paves the way for the KMC to address critical civic amenities for residents in the heart of Kolkata.
