Bengal govt announces statewide crackdown on illegal parking rackets, unauthorised fee collection

According to her statement and reports from multiple outlets, the initiative seeks to end long-standing irregularities in roadside parking management and ensure that parking revenue is properly routed to the state administration.

Parking to be restricted to designated areas only

Under the new framework, parking will no longer be permitted on both sides of the road in congested stretches.

Instead, vehicles will be allowed to park only in designated and approved zones, as part of an effort to streamline traffic flow and reduce roadside obstruction.

Officials associated with the Municipal Affairs department are reportedly working on implementing these changes in phases across major cities and towns.

Crackdown on illegal collection networks

A key focus of the initiative is the dismantling of illegal parking fee collection systems that have allegedly operated for years in several parts of the state.

The move aims to ensure that all parking-related revenues are collected through official channels rather than informal intermediaries.

Paul has described the effort as necessary to correct what she termed “improper parking practices” that have persisted for over a decade.

Stricter enforcement under Municipal Affairs Department

The Municipal Affairs department is expected to introduce stricter enforcement measures against unauthorized parking activity that contributes to congestion and disrupts pedestrian movement.

Authorities are also expected to coordinate with local civic bodies and traffic police to identify high-risk zones and implement designated parking systems more effectively.

Focus on urban cleanliness and waste management

In a broader statement, Paul highlighted long-standing issues of urban cleanliness, alleging that garbage accumulation has remained a persistent problem over the last 15 years in parts of West Bengal, including Kolkata and Asansol.

She said efforts are now being made to strengthen municipal response systems and involve citizens more directly in reporting civic issues.

Geotagging-based complaint app introduced

Paul said a new mobile application has been developed to allow residents to report garbage and pollution hotspots by uploading geotagged photographs.

According to her statement, once a complaint is submitted, municipal authorities are expected to respond and clean the reported area within two hours.