KMC begins major anti-encroachment drive; Mayor orders non-stop eviction of homeless from footpaths, flyovers

KMC clears homeless settlements from major roads and flyovers with support from Kolkata Police and civic teams
Mayor Firhad Hakim orders continuous eviction drive with 24x7 monitoring to prevent re-encroachment across all city zones
Evicted individuals being relocated to state-run night shelters; further phases planned in other identified encroached areas

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has resumed its drive to clear footpaths and spaces under flyovers of homeless encroachments across the city. The campaign began on Tuesday, with evictions carried out from Mallick Bazar to Ballygunge Phari–Gariahat, Hazra Road to Gopalnagar, and Park Circus Seven Point to Beck Bagan. Multiple teams from KMC and Kolkata Police were deployed in these areas to conduct the clearances.

On Monday, KMC Commissioner wrote a formal letter to the Kolkata Police Commissioner requesting police personnel to assist in the drive. The letter also asked police authorities to help identify other parts of the city where illegal occupation of public spaces by homeless individuals has taken place. The move follows previous attempts by the KMC to remove such settlements, which had seen reoccupation after some time.

Officials stated that the drive is being conducted in coordination with civic departments such as Solid Waste Management and the Social Welfare Department. Temporary plastic shelters set up along footpaths were dismantled, and individuals were advised to relocate to government-designated night shelters. The authorities confirmed that those evicted are being guided to shelter homes run by the state government.

KMC clarified that this campaign is not a one-time action but part of a planned, continuous effort. Mayor Firhad Hakim has directed the civic body to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of the vacated areas. The objective is to prevent any repeat encroachments and maintain clear public walkways and underpasses. Surveillance and follow-up action have also been assigned to zonal offices.

Further phases of the drive will be implemented in other areas where similar encroachments have been identified. Police will provide real-time input on new settlements, and joint teams will act accordingly. The KMC plans to continue this operation in a phased manner across all 144 wards of the city.

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Kolkata Municipal Corporation