Construction Waste Ban Aims to Keep Streets Clear and Prevent Dengue

Kolkata, August 2 – In a bid to improve sanitation and public health, West Bengal’s Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul announced that from September 1, any construction material left on public roads will be subject to a fine. The decision was taken during a series of programs organized by the Siliguri Municipal Corporation.

According to Paul, items such as stones, sand, and bricks must remain inside the construction perimeter. "Roads are not personal storage spaces," she emphasized, adding that the fine will act as a deterrent.

The rule also targets owners of idle land parcels. Those who purchase a plot and wait decades before building are now obliged to clear vegetation, drainage channels and stagnant water bodies that could foster mosquito breeding. The minister linked this requirement to the ongoing fight against dengue fever, urging landowners to take proactive steps.

The announcement coincided with a crackdown on illegal parking. A new mobile application will be introduced to manage parking slots in Kolkata and nearby zones, and vehicles parked on sidewalks will face steep penalties.