No eviction plan for Kolkata's College Street hawkers: KMC commissioner dismisses rumours

She clarified that no eviction directive has been issued by the state government or the civic administration.

Amid eviction rumours at Kolkata’s iconic College Street book bazaar, hundreds formed a human chain to promote reading and celebrate the city’s enduring bond with its famed Boi Para on Wednesday. Photo: Avishek Mitra

Rumours of eviction termed misleading

At a press conference, Pandey said false narratives were being circulated suggesting that a removal drive was being planned at College Street, one of Kolkata’s most sensitive commercial and cultural spaces.

She categorically denied that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had issued any instruction regarding eviction of hawkers from the area.

“There is no plan to evict shop owners or hawkers operating in the area. I can assure you of that,” she said, adding that no such operation is currently underway.

No civic eviction drive underway

The commissioner clarified that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation does not conduct routine hawker eviction drives.

Photo: Avishek Mitra

She said that any action in such areas is generally limited to police interventions aimed at clearing encroachments and ensuring smooth movement of traffic and pedestrians, rather than structured eviction campaigns.

Focus on monsoon preparedness

Pandey said the civic body is currently prioritising pre-monsoon preparedness across Kolkata, with borough-wise review meetings being conducted as per state directives.

Drainage maintenance and desilting work have been completed in several parts of the city to reduce the risk of waterlogging during heavy rainfall.

She added that while temporary flooding may still occur during intense showers, the administration expects quicker drainage due to ongoing infrastructure improvements.

Responding to questions related to legal cases involving Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee and internal civic matters, Pandey declined to comment, stating that the issues were either sub judice or outside the scope of the briefing.

College Street’s Heritage at the heart of debate

The clarification comes amid public concern over possible disruption to the College Street book market, a historic cultural landmark often referred to as “Boi Para” (Book Neighbourhood).

Stretching along one of Kolkata’s oldest thoroughfares, College Street is widely regarded as the intellectual hub of the city, home to centuries-old bookshops, publishing houses, coffee houses, and generations of students, writers, and academics.

The area is also closely associated with the University of Calcutta and has long served as a meeting point for literary and political discussions, making any speculation about redevelopment or eviction particularly sensitive.

Photo: Avishek Mitra

The academic environment, shaped by generations of publishers, booksellers, and students, has made College Street a space closely tied to ideas, debate, and learning.

Pandey’s remarks sought to allay concerns among hawkers and traders, reaffirming that no eviction plan exists at this stage and that the civic focus remains on urban maintenance and seasonal preparedness.