Kolkata: State urban development & municipal affairs department minister Agnimitra Paul conducted an inspection of Gariahat market on Monday and announced a series of measures to improve and upgrade the market. The minister instructed shopkeepers to clear encroachment from in front of their shops and directed KMC officials to take on measures to improve sanitation, safety and overall upgradation of the market.“Cleanliness of the market has to be ensured. I want the shopkeepers to maintain their area. Almost every shopkeeper has encroached on the common passage inside the market. No encroachment will be tolerated,” Paul said.Paul expressed her dissatisfaction over the poor sanitation and maintenance measures of the market. “The entire flooring of the market has to be changed. There will be concrete slabs with perforations for water to get flushed out. The drainage system is in a shambles and has to be cleared and renovated. The toilets are in very bad shape. Electric wires are hanging with boxes open which have to be covered,” the minister said.Paul also said that tarpaulins cannot be used inside the market. “The ceiling in the fish market is leaking and they are using tarpaulins on top of the stalls which are inflammable. I have instructed that the main structure needs to be renovated and all tarpaulins be removed. Fire safety equipment needs to be checked. Also, there has to be a different space for motorbike and bicycle parking,” the minister said.Paul said that she would revisit the market after a fortnight. “I will come after 15 days and the same system will follow in every market pan Bengal,” the minister said.KMC officials said that this is a part of the regular drive which the civic body is conducting in several parts of the city particularly in the hawking hubs and market areas to make the carriageways and pavements free from encroachment. “We will be keeping a vigil on Gariahat market and its surrounding areas,” a KMC official said
