Kalimpong Municipality to Crackdown on Illegal Hoardings:

YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, NOVEMBER 27, 2024 : Kalimpong Municipality Administrator Ravi Pradhan has issued a stern warning against illegally installed large hoarding boards within the municipality area.

Pradhan said on Wednesday that obtaining municipal approval was mandatory for the installation of hoardings, regardless of whether the land belonged to the State Land and Land Revenue Department or any other entity. He emphasized that unauthorized hoardings posed safety risks and caused inconvenience to the public, warranting immediate attention.

Pradhan said some large unauthorized hoardings in the municipality area had caused concerns about safety and cleanliness. “We do not have any information about the approval for the hoarding placed under the Library Road,” he said. He noted that such disorganized installations created litter and hindered sanitation efforts.

Locations such as Mayfair, the Forest Department land near the Municipality office, Roxbury, and the Novelty Complex had been identified as areas where large iron hoardings had been installed, he said.

Pradhan said the Municipality had no records of necessary land documents or building plans for these hoardings. He warned that such unauthorized installations would be removed immediately.

“These hoardings could lead to major accidents, and the Municipality may be held accountable,” Pradhan pointed out. He added that all illegal hoardings would be dismantled to prioritize public safety. “It is essential to contact the Municipality for hoarding permits. If hoardings are installed without approval, they will be demolished, and legal action will be taken against those responsible,” he asserted.

Pradhan reiterated that the actions of the Municipality were in the interest of public safety, aiming to prevent disorganized installations on streets and public spaces.

“This step is being taken to manage traffic, prevent accidents, and avoid inconvenience to the public,” he said.

The Municipality had already initiated the process of demolishing and confiscating unauthorized hoardings.