KMC Seeks Third Extension for McPherson Square Report at Calcutta High Court
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has once again approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking additional time to submit a comprehensive report concerning the ongoing redevelopment and beautification project at McPherson Square. This marks the third instance where the civic body has requested an extension, highlighting the complexities surrounding this contentious issue.
Sequence of Extensions Sought by KMC
The legal proceedings have unfolded over several weeks with multiple delays:
- Initial Hearing (December 19): Following the case's hearing regarding the destruction of greenery at McPherson Square, the Calcutta High Court granted KMC a period of two weeks to prepare and file their detailed report.
- Second Hearing (January 2): When the matter was next heard, KMC's legal counsel requested an additional two weeks, citing the need for more time to compile necessary information and assessments.
- Latest Hearing (Friday): In the most recent court session, KMC has now sought a further 10 days to finalize and submit the report, indicating ongoing challenges in meeting the court's deadlines.
Controversial Redevelopment Work Continues
Despite the pending report and legal scrutiny, redevelopment activities at McPherson Square have not been halted. The absence of a stay order from the court has allowed work to proceed, including the installation of a controversial fountain within the park premises.
This aspect of the project has sparked significant debate among local residents and environmental activists. Concerns have been raised regarding:
- The necessity and appropriateness of adding such embellishments to the park.
- Potential health hazards due to mosquito breeding in stagnant water associated with fountains.
- The overall impact on the park's ecological balance and green cover.
Background: PIL and Private Agency Involvement
The legal intervention traces back to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the green action group PUBLIC. This petition was initiated in response to the felling of trees at McPherson Square, actions purportedly taken as part of the beautification drive.
Furthermore, the responsibility for the park's redevelopment and maintenance has been entrusted to a private agency. This entity has made ambitious claims, promising to transform McPherson Square into one of Kolkata's premier parks. However, this privatization and the subsequent alterations have fueled public and legal scrutiny, questioning the balance between urban development and environmental preservation.
The repeated extensions sought by KMC underscore the ongoing legal and environmental tensions surrounding McPherson Square. As the civic body prepares its report, stakeholders await clarity on how the project aligns with regulatory standards and addresses community concerns, setting a precedent for similar urban redevelopment initiatives in the city.
