Agnimitra orders strong vigil on parking to curb illegal collection, launches 'one-sided parking' rule

Minister Agnimitra Paul announced a series of rigorous policies on Thursday aimed at modernizing urban services and ending "15 years of civic irregularities." Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, Paul targeted the long-standing issues of traffic congestion and illegal revenue collection. The most immediate change involves a "one-sided parking" rule on all city roads to ease traffic flow. The administration emphasized that double-sided parking has paralyzed movement in cities like Kolkata and Asansol for too long, and strict enforcement will begin immediately to normalize traffic patterns.

The Minister also declared a war on the illegal collection of parking fees, which she alleged had become a source of massive revenue leakage. Paul stated that under the previous regime, parking money was being siphoned off by local syndicates without reaching the state treasury. To combat this, the Municipality and Urban Development Department will now jointly monitor all parking zones. The government warned that any unauthorized collection would be treated as a criminal offense, ensuring all fees are accounted for as official tax to fund further urban development.

On the front of public safety and hygiene, the government is integrating child and women’s helplines into a single, robust emergency number. This initiative includes setting up dedicated call centers under the Women and Child Welfare Department to provide immediate assistance. Furthermore, Paul introduced a tech-driven solution for the city's garbage crisis. A new mobile app will allow citizens to upload geotagged photos of litter. Once a photo is submitted, the concerned municipal corporation will be mandated to clear the spot within a strict two-hour window, marking a significant shift toward technology-based accountability.