Activist to move Calcutta HC against repeated Nabanna campaigns disrupting Howrah roads

Environmental activist and Howrah resident Subhas Dutta has announced his plan to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Calcutta High Court against the repeated Nabanna Abhiyans conducted by political and non-political groups. These protest rallies, aimed at the state government’s administrative headquarters, have frequently disrupted normal life in Howrah. Prior to this, Dutta submitted a memorandum to the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, Howrah District Magistrate, and Police Commissioner.

In the memorandum, submitted on Thursday, Dutta stated that the repeated campaigns are severely affecting traffic movement across Howrah and disrupting the daily routine of thousands of school students, office employees, traders, and general commuters. He pointed out that public inconvenience has increased with every such event, particularly due to roadblocks and restrictions during large gatherings. He also raised concern over the cumulative impact on the city’s transport infrastructure.

Dutta further alleged that significant amounts of public money are being spent on barricading, deployment of security forces, and repair work associated with these rallies. He mentioned that these expenses, running into crores, are covered using taxpayer funds. In his communication to the authorities, he demanded that the cost burden be transferred to the political parties organizing the Nabanna campaigns, instead of the public.