Kolkata: In an overnight drive, a large contingent of the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, the National Highways Authority and PWD pulled down around 200 illegal structures—shops, bus kiosks serving several Kolkata and suburban bus routes, accommodation for bus drivers and conductors, toilets, eateries and repair workshops—under Nivedita Setu (Bally Bridge) in Dakshineswar between Monday and Tuesday.Police said payloaders were used for the eviction drive on PWD Road near the Dakshineswar temple.“The operation was part of the ongoing drive to clear encroachments and illegal hawkers from roads and pavements. Among the demolished structures were tea stalls, eateries, paan and cigarette shops, vehicle repair shops, and facilities used by bus drivers and conductors, all set up illegally on govt land. A bus terminal office also operated out of the stretch under the bridge,” a senior official said.Those affected staged a protest, claiming the demolition was conducted without a notice being served. They alleged the bus syndicate held several discussions with NHAI and L&T officials, seeking time until Durga Puja to relocate, but their request was not fulfilled. Dunlop resident Raju De, whose tea and food stall was razed, was visibly distressed. “I used to work as a bus conductor. About seven years ago, I opened this stall to support my family. Now, I have lost my only source of income. I appeal to the govt to provide us with an alternative livelihood,” he said.Sohel Khan, secretary of Dakshineswar Route 43 Bus Syndicate, also alleged the authorities pulled down the structures without issuing a notice. “I met NHAI officials at their New Town office, when they had assured us of a month’s notice before any eviction. We had also sought time until Durga Puja. But everything was demolished overnight. This will mean severe hardship for shopkeepers as well as bus drivers, conductors and other workers,” Khan said.
