Kolkata, Nov. 6 -- An anti-encroachment drive by Kamarhati Municipality beneath the Dakshineswar Metro Skywalk ahead of Kali Puja has triggered questions over the treatment of homeless people after water was sprayed across the pavement, soaking their belongings.
Several homeless people had allegedly been staying on the pavement beneath the Skywalk for a long time, putting up mosquito nets and sleeping there. On Wednesday, the civic body launched a drive to clear the area, spraying water across the pavement. The exercise reportedly left their mosquito nets, bedding and cooking utensils drenched, leaving the residents in distress.
While some welcomed the move, citing inconvenience to commuters and pilgrims visiting the temple, others questioned the administration for removing homeless people without making any permanent arrangements.
According to municipal sources, the drive was undertaken to maintain cleanliness and beautify the Skywalk, besides ensuring smooth movement of pedestrians. The civic body has reportedly maintained that encroachments in the area would not be tolerated. Dakshineswar temple trustee and secretary Kushal Chowdhury said staying beneath the Skywalk was prohibited as high-voltage electrical panels were installed there. He said cleaning of the temple premises and adjoining roads was routinely undertaken ahead of festivals, including Kali Puja.
Chowdhury added that someone might have
inadvertently been splashed with water during the exercise.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.