Bolpur, Nov. 3 -- The future of Santiniketan's popular Sonajhuri-Khowai Haat has come under renewed scrutiny after BJP MLA from Labhpur Debashish Ojha proposed relocating the market from its present forest-based site to government-owned land, citing environmental concerns, alleged encroachment and extortion.
Ojha said he had initiated discussions with the district administration, including the District Magistrate, over shifting the market to state-owned land recorded under 'Khatian No. 1'. The proposal envisages the construction of permanent stalls to accommodate the traders.
Speaking at the inauguration of a handicraft fair in Santiniketan, the MLA said the existing market was operating within a protected forest area, where, he alleged, ...