Illegal food stalls in Howrah stadium spark fire hazard, pollution & health crisis

Howrah’s largest stadium complex has turned into a major fire hazard due to the unchecked operations of illegal food vendors. Residents and fitness enthusiasts visiting the area complain of heavy smoke and pollution, making it difficult to breathe. Unauthorized stalls use gas cylinders for cooking, despite strict regulations prohibiting open flames in the premises. The Environmental Pollution Court has banned lighting fires inside the stadium complex, but daily violations continue, raising concerns about safety and environmental damage.

By evening, the stadium area is crowded with makeshift stalls, where open flames pose risks to both visitors and local greenery. The heat and smoke from continuous cooking affect air quality, and residents claim that the operations are running without any official permits. Wildlife and plant life in the surrounding area have also been impacted due to prolonged exposure to fire and pollution. Locals have raised repeated complaints, citing severe health risks, but no strict enforcement has taken place.

Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) and HIDCO share responsibility for maintaining the stadium and the adjacent Ring Road, but officials have yet to take visible action. In response to public outcry, HMC’s Chief Administrator Sujay Chakraborty assured that steps would be taken soon to curb unauthorized activities. Residents continue to demand immediate intervention to prevent further environmental and health deterioration in one of Howrah’s key public spaces.