Residents of Salt Lake in Kolkata have taken a united stand, presenting a comprehensive list of civic demands to the local municipal authority in hopes of ushering in a new year marked by significant improvements. The newly formed Association of Bidhannagar Citizens (ABC) formally submitted a 10-point charter of demands to the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) authorities on Tuesday, highlighting long-standing issues plaguing the township.
Key Demands for a Better Salt Lake
The charter, crafted after discussions at a citizens' convention held on November 9, zeroes in on several critical infrastructure and maintenance problems. At the forefront are the deteriorating condition of roads, the chaotic tangle of overhead cables, and insufficient street lighting. The forum also stressed the urgent need to enhance the drainage system, implement effective mosquito control measures, and establish a proper bus stand for the area.
BMC Mayor Krishna Chakraborty acknowledged receipt of the demands, stating, "We will go through them and look into the issues." The delegation, led by ABC secretary Ritesh Basak, also met with the mayor to discuss the points in detail. Basak noted that the BMC commissioner had assured the group that the raised concerns would be addressed.
Roads, Lights, and Cables: The Triad of Troubles
The association called for the immediate repair of damaged roads across various blocks, pointing out the severe inconvenience faced by senior citizens navigating uneven surfaces. Resident Subrata Maitra emphasized the need for comprehensive pothole repair and a complete revamp of the worst-affected stretches, coupled with regular maintenance for durability.
Safety concerns due to poor illumination were another major highlight. Citizens demanded more streetlights with a strict maintenance schedule, noting that existing lights are often obscured by overgrown tree canopies, leaving areas in darkness.
The visual and physical hazard of haphazard overhead cables wrapped around trees and lamp posts was also flagged. Residents insist on an immediate cleanup of this messy and potentially dangerous web of wires crisscrossing the township.
Broader Civic Concerns and Connectivity
The charter of demands extends beyond immediate infrastructure fixes. It includes:
- Regular cleaning of the Kestopur canal to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Restoration and increase of public bus services on various routes, as many have become non-existent.
- Systematic parking arrangements to manage growing vehicular clutter.
A resident highlighted the township's reliance on rickshaws, autos, and personal vehicles due to scant bus services. The issue of unsafe road crossings for seniors, caused by poorly designed dividers, was also brought to the authorities' attention.
The collective action by the ABC marks a significant step by Salt Lake residents towards advocating for systematic civic governance and improved quality of life, with hopes pinned on prompt action from the municipal corporation in the coming year.
