Siliguri, 29th August: Allegations of illegal construction have arisen in Ward No. 39 of Siliguri as a beautification initiative takes place near the municipal water supply tap along APC Sarani in Haider Para. Concerns have been raised regarding the unauthorized nature of the beautification work carried out near the tap. A flex bearing the name of a deceased individual has been placed above the tap. Moreover, an unauthorized electricity connection has been allegedly installed, with evening lighting adding to the controversy.
Local residents are expressing their objections to the ongoing beautification project, asserting that it has been executed without proper authorization. A local resident stated that the tap had been present there previously. However, a memorial altar was built atop the tap, purportedly commemorating the individual’s memory and implying recent construction. The residents are calling for the prompt removal of this. They warned that if unchecked, they would also carry out such unauthorized beautification endeavours to other taps in the ward, using the pretext of honouring their forefathers.
Reba Sarkar, the former councillor of the ward, emphasized the need for adherence to legal procedures and called upon the administration to intervene promptly. Meanwhile, Pinky Saha, the current councillor of Ward No. 39, remained unavailable for comment due to her absence from town.