Deb issues call for `people's movement'

TT,  Siliguri: Bengal tourism minister Gautam Deb on Saturday urged Siliguri residents to launch a peoples' movement to resolve common problems.

The minister was speaking at a citizens' convention here at Dinabandhu Mancha and issued the call after hearing several suggestions and grievances from the residents.

At the convention, many participants urged him to take stern measures to ban the use of plastic carry bags, stop illegal constructions, resolve the problems of parking and traffic congestions and remove of encroachment from footpaths and embankment of rivers.

While speaking, Deb said that embankments of rivers are badly encroached and are used as open toilets. This is a major area of concern for the people and it has to be stopped, he said, while adding that he has spoken with the transport minister for replacing the city autos here to curb air pollution.

"We have already restricted movement of e-rickshaws movement across the city. A six-lane road at Darjeeling More is badly required to regulate the traffic congestions of the city. The central government will have to clear its stand about the project and it should get into proper communication with the state on the issue," said the minister.

The convention that was hosted by the minister was questioned by Siliguri mayor Asok Bhattacharya. "Only a civic body head is entitled to convene such meeting," the mayor had said. However, on Saturday, the convention witnessed presence of a several residents, including academicians, medical practitioners, representatives of trade bodies and social activists, who articulated their suggestions before the minister.

"No illegal constructions will be allowed not only at Bidhan Market but also in other parts of the city. We will take steps to clear encroachments from the river embankments and other areas. The use of plastic carry bags will be stopped from the sources," he added.

The minister also said initiatives have been taken to upgrade the infrastructure of Dinabandhu Mancha, the most prominent governmentrun auditorium of the city.