Mayor Firhad Hakim Inspects ‘Beautification of Mother’s Ghat’ Project, Announces Plans for Slum Dwellers in Phase Two

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 27, 2024, Kolkata : Mayor Firhad Hakim visited the ongoing "Beautification of Mother’s Ghat" project, an initiative spearheaded by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Tuesday to inspect progress and discuss upcoming plans. The visit was attended by local councilor Bapi Ghosh, Mayor's Council member for the Slum Department Swapan Samaddar, and several other officials, underscoring the importance of the project to the city's urban renewal efforts.

The mayor highlighted the deep cultural and religious significance of the Ghat, saying, "The Chief Minister is deeply fond of this project. The importance of Mother's Ghat, both in terms of religious beliefs and historical perspective, is immense. This beautification work is being carried out with great care and attention to detail, and we are confident that it will attract international tourists."

The project, which is being executed in phases, aims to transform the area around Mother’s Ghat into a prime cultural and tourist destination. While the first phase has already been completed, the second phase has now begun with a special focus on improving the living conditions of slum dwellers in the vicinity.

In this next phase, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has outlined plans to provide new housing for approximately 300 families living around Sarada Mayer’s house in Bagbazar. Under the state government’s Banglar Bari project, new flats will be built to house these families. A total of 11 residential towers will be constructed, with four flats per floor, each spanning 400 square feet. These flats will be ready for occupancy before the Puja season of 2025.

Additionally, the area surrounding Sarada Mayer’s house, which leads up to Mother’s Ghat, will undergo beautification, with new trees planted and lighting installations added to enhance the environment. The road infrastructure will also be upgraded, contributing to a more scenic and accessible waterfront area.

The state government has allocated a total of ₹20 crore for the second phase of the project, emphasizing the government's commitment to improving both the aesthetic appeal and the quality of life for local residents.

Mayor Hakim reiterated the importance of this project, not only as a cultural landmark but also as a model for urban renewal that combines heritage preservation with modern development. "This is a step towards making Kolkata more beautiful and accessible for everyone, while ensuring that the marginalized sections of society are uplifted," he said.

The Beautification of Mother’s Ghat project is part of a broader initiative by the West Bengal government to revitalize key historical and cultural sites in the city while providing better housing and infrastructure for the urban poor.