Bengal: Calcutta HC orders to vacate Bidhan Market in Esplanade

Kolkata, Aug 24 (IANS) The Calcutta High Court has allowed the start of construction of an underground metro station for the Joka-BBD Bag metro project (Kolkata Metro Purple Line) in the Bidhan Chandra Roy Market (popularly known as Bidhan Market) area in central Kolkata.

Also, the court directed that work must begin within seven days, while also stating that the appeal of shopkeepers would be given importance.

On Monday, the bench of Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee said shopkeepers could be temporarily shifted from the area.

However, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the agency responsible for the project, must provide written assurance that shopkeepers would be brought back to their original place after completion of work. Minimum services and security must be maintained at the new location.

The relocation can begin only after arrangements for water, electricity and security are made. It was initially announced that shopkeepers would be moved from Wednesday.

The shopkeepers of Bidhan Market had approached the High Court after the state government asked more than 500 traders to vacate the premises for demolition to facilitate construction of the underground metro station.

The Public Works Department had ordered traders to vacate the Maidan Market by August 26.

During the hearing, shopkeepers said the market was built on Indian Army land in 1954 and is currently an important wholesale market.

They alleged that authorities were trying to move them without written commitment. Lawyers Firdous Shamim and Gopa Biswas argued on their behalf. The shops are supposed to be temporarily shifted to the Mounted Police Paddock area.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the High Court allowed construction work on the metro project.

–IANS

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