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Update(29.9.03) to News published on 6th Sep 2003(read below)

Things have stabilised somewhat, it would appear. The "Travel Agency" hasn't re-opened. Meanwhile, in order to ascertain popular will signatures were collected from the residents. The latter have overwhelmingly supported the cause! The Councilor, Ward 96 have met committee members on 21st Sep '03 at Central Road. He graciously agreed to look into the matter. We do not expect things to change much since The Puja season begins next month. Anyway, in a committee meeting held last Saturday (27th Sep) it was decided that Bijoya Sammelani will be organized sometime in early November. Till then, and until something new comes up, best Wishes for the Pujas!

News published on 6th September 2003

ONGOING CRISIS AT PUKUR MOHALLA

Late in August 2003 we suddenly witnessed the birth of yet another illegal structure in our locality - this time a "Travel Agency". The Committee decided that it was time to put the foot down, keeping in mind the alarming growth of such structures to the east and the to west of our immediate neighborhood. Local elements were in direct connivance with this misadventure. In fact the aim was to help each other consolidate their positions. If one aimed for a travel agency, the other wished to open a restaurant. Gas cylinders were to be used inside a highly infammable wooden stall. This stall had been illegally erected alongside apartment buildings. An accident would have proved fatal to nearly 30 families!

This attempt to open a food-stall is not new. The Committee had informed the concerned people more than 3 months ago that if the use of cylinders was not discontinued - the committee will have to issue letters to the authority. The warning temporarily yielded results and the cylinders were removed. But they suddenly reappeared in late August - along with reinforcements, in the form of a whole new "Travel Agency!"

Clearly, the plan was to provide each other support in the face of opposition.

Illegal encroachment had destroyed many a residential locality in Kolkata, where tax-paying citizens timidly submitted to the dictates of muscle flexing goons or opportunistic politicians. Doors opened for those who broke laws while those who followed it were either shown the door, left the locality utterly tormented and disgusted, or simply had to submit themselves to a bitter fate. Peaceful residential localities were destroyed to make way for dirty, chaotic hells. The city got a bad name that as long as you had the right connections, be it with goons or with politicians of whatever 'color' - you could open up anything, almost anywhere. The whole thing worked on the principals of a grand symbiosis. The people who suffered most were the ones believing in the sanctity of law. In the name of current socio-economic conditions, laws were flagrantly violated to the disadvantage of those following it. There can either be a common civic law, or not at all!

At Pukur Mohalla, the current picture is thankfully different. Perhaps Kolkata, after all is aiming for a stronger enforcement of civic rules. When residents sent a deputation to the Police describing this latest threat to the community, the Police acted swiftly. As of now, the encroachers have been ordered to down their shutters within a couple of days. The local Councilor, and other civic organizations have expressed firm solidarity with us. May be we at Pukur Mohalla are just plain lucky to be working with such a positive group of people.

Still, the story is not yet over. There will certainly be a backlash from the encroachers. We will have to stand firm and withstand that. Lets see how things unfold. Will keep you posted...

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