Siliguri, 02nd August: West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul held a meeting with commissioners and administrators of various municipal corporations and municipality across North Bengal in Siliguri.
The meeting discussed several important issues, including urban development, cleanliness, drinking water supply, waste management and traffic control.
After the meeting, the minister announced that initiatives have been taken to develop Cooch Behar as a smart city. She also stated that Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik will be developed as hill cities.
Agnimitra Paul further informed that modern bus stands will be constructed across the state. These bus stands will have seating arrangements for passengers and water vending machines.
She also announced that a special drive against banned plastic and plastic carry bags will begin across West Bengal from September 1. Bag vending machines will be installed in different markets so that customers can purchase eco-friendly bags at affordable prices.
Addressing Darjeeling’s long-standing drinking water issue, the minister said work is underway for a solution and claimed that there will be no drinking water problem anywhere in the state by June 2027.
The minister also announced strict measures to maintain cleanliness. Fines will be imposed on people dumping garbage on roads or leaving construction materials like sand and stones on streets. The fines will be implemented through the police.
She further informed that the state government is planning to introduce a regulated and modern parking system across West Bengal.