Minister Purnima Chakraborty and KMC commissioner Smita Pandey during an inspection around Mayer Bari
In the last 7-8 years, only 80 out of 300 families were relocated. I have asked the municipal commissioner to take all possible measures to speed up construction of five more blocks where another 100 families will be shifted,” said Chakraborty. The shifting of residents from the slum adjacent to Mayer Bari in Bagbazar to apartments under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is the first step before renovation and beautification of the area around Mayer Bari. This is part of the state’s proposal to develop the place into an international tourist destination. Minister of state for tourism Purnima Chakraborty, who is also the local MLA, along with Kolkata Municipal Corporation commissioner Smita Pandey and other senior civic officials held a meeting with the authorities of Mayer Bari. “Work had been progressing very slowly under the previous govt.
An official associated with Ramakrishna Math and Mission, which maintains Mayer Bari, said 30% of the land will be freed after complete relocation of the slum dwellers.
Chakraborty said she has spoken to the people currently residing in makeshift houses built of tin sheds and they are willing to shift to apartments. The state will develop a parking space, public toilet and a garden as part of the beautification project, according to plans. “The centre has a keen interest in the development of Mayer Bari. The rejuvenation work of Kumartuli Ghat next to Mayer Bari is going on in full swing,” Chakraborty added. The stretch around the heritage building will also be beautified and then decorated with lights to give it a majestic look.