Howrah: The long-standing demand of residents to clear pavements and roads around Howrah Maidan was finally addressed on Tuesday as police enforced a ban on illegal encroachments on key stretches. Acting on directives from the state government, authorities declared that Manglahat traders would no longer be permitted to illegally occupy and rent dala (makeshift stalls) on major thoroughfares.
Police Action and Traders' Response
On Monday evening, Howrah City Police informed leaders of the Manglahat traders about the impending action and made announcements via loudspeakers that stalls would not be allowed on major roads and pavements around Howrah Maidan from Tuesday onward. The police also specified that goods could not be unloaded or stored from Manglahat buildings during peak traffic hours.
Despite the warning, some vendors set up clothing stalls on Tuesday morning. Police swiftly removed them. Although there was initial resistance, the market gradually dispersed, and traders vacated the area later in the day.
Trader Association's Stand
Raj Kumar Saha, general secretary of the Howrah Manglahat Traders Association, stated that approximately 30,000 traders depend on dala-based businesses and come from multiple districts. He warned that the association would resist the move unless authorities provide an alternative arrangement for their livelihood.
