Siliguri, June 29 -- The Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Monday launched a drive against illegal hoardings across the city, demolishing several unauthorised advertising structures as part of a stricter enforcement campaign. The operation was carried out in the presence of Bir Bikram Rai, Municipal Commissioner.

According to the civic body, a list of unauthorised hoardings has been prepared after identifying structures that were erected without obtaining municipal permission or paying the required taxes. 21 illegal hoardings have been identified on Bidhan Road alone.

Officials alleged that several advertising agencies had been installing hoardings across the city for years without approval, causing significant revenue losses to the government.

A large illegal hoarding in front of a shopping mall on Sevoke Road was dismantled on Monday. Similar operations were also conducted in several other parts of the city, where multiple unauthorised hoardings were removed.

During the demolition drive at the shopping mall, the Commissioner faced protests from local traders, who demanded that action be taken against all illegal hoardings across the city instead of targeting a few establishments. Responding to their concerns, the Commissioner urged them to submit written complaints regarding any unauthorised construction, assuring that action would be taken against every violator.

One trader alleged: "The previous municipal board accepted money and allowed such illegal hoardings to be installed." Reacting to the allegation, Commissioner Rai said: "Whatever happened under the previous board will not happen now. No kind of illegal activity will be tolerated."

Apart from removing illegal hoardings, the Commissioner also inspected a nearby high drain beside the shopping mall. It was found that sand, stones, and debris had clogged a portion of the drain, obstructing the flow of water and causing rainwater to enter the shopping complex during heavy showers.

The Commissioner immediately directed officials to carry out temporary cleaning and restoration work to improve drainage and prevent future waterlogging.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.