KMC to provide permanent housing for Tolly Nullah, Adi Ganga settlers

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has announced a significant project to address the illegal settlements along the banks of Tolly Nullah and Adi Ganga, focusing on providing permanent housing and revamping the area’s infrastructure. Under the 'Banglar Bari' initiative, the KMC plans to construct 72 flats for residents who have settled along these rivers. The flats will be distributed to these residents, offering them a stable and permanent living arrangement.

The project will involve the construction of two primary housing complexes. In Kalighat, a four-story building with eight flats will be constructed for the residents of Shashishekar Bose Road along the Tolly Nullah’s banks. The second development will be located in Khidirpur, where four separate four-story buildings, consisting of 64 flats, will be built for the residents of Arfanganj Bazaar. This initiative aims to rehabilitate rather than evict the residents, ensuring that their right to housing is preserved.

As part of the broader efforts to restore the environmental health of Tolly Nullah and Adi Ganga, the KMC has also outlined a series of measures to reduce pollution. A key step in this process will be the closure of 78 drain mouths connected to Tolly Nullah. These will be redirected to sewage treatment plants and sewage pumping stations, reducing the flow of polluted water into the river. This will significantly help in curbing the environmental degradation of both water bodies.

Further, the KMC has planned extensive beautification projects for the riverbanks. Once the new housing units are complete and the illegal settlements are rehabilitated, the banks of Tolly Nullah and Adi Ganga will undergo beautification. This will include planting trees, reinforcing the riverbanks to prevent soil erosion, and adding playgrounds for children. High iron fences will be installed along the banks to prevent residents from dumping waste into the water, a problem that has long plagued the area.

Additionally, work on the renovation of Tolly Nullah has already begun. A phased silt removal operation is underway to clear out accumulated debris and improve water flow. As part of the ongoing efforts to improve the condition of these rivers, the KMC will also work to protect the banks from further degradation and ensure the rivers become more accessible and environmentally safe for the surrounding community.