Will identify parking spots, give GI tags to footpath stalls: Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 29 : Kolkata Mayor and state Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim on Saturday said that the problem of illegal parking and encroachment by hawkers on footpaths will be solved as soon as the civic authorities will identify the paid and free parking spots and will issue GI tags for stalls.
"In one month, we will identify paid and free parking spots. Before that if anyone collects money, the police will arrest that person and take action against him," Hakim said, speaking to ANI on Saturday.
The Kolkata Mayor also said that the problem of encroachment by hawkers on footpaths will be solved as soon as the civic authorities start the process of giving GI tags to stalls.
"When we will start the process of giving GI tag, there will be limited stalls. The hawker who has been given a GI tag will become the owner of the stall. Those who have three-four stalls are afraid. This is not their plot. The government gives it to unemployed people for their self-employment," Hakim said.
Earlier on Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a meeting regarding the issues associated with the hawkers and encroachment in the state. All the concerned officials were present during the meeting.
In Thursday's review meeting at Nabanna Sabhaghar, she assured that vendors' livelihoods are a top priority. Their stalls will not face bulldozing but will be rehabilitated instead.
"We will talk to the hawkers committee in Kolkata and work on hawkers rehabilitation, carts of state colour will have to be given to keep their goods. There should be a dedicated building. This system will be in every district. There should be a building near the markets where there will be fire fighting arrangements," said the Bengal Chief Minister.
She further said that fire incidents have been reported in the Bada Bazaar but there is no renovation happening over there. A list of all markets will be made and nobody's livelihood will be snatched.
"I don't believe in providing spaces by escorting money and then, running bulldozers over them. Hawkers should be made to sit where there is a proper place, there will be no encroachment on the irrigation canal. UDMA secretary will visit every district and prepare a report on how hawkers will sit," she added.
Earlier on Monday, CM Mamata chaired a meeting with the Howrah Municipal Corporation and said that the biggest problem with which the city is grappling is encroachment and asserted that encroachment on government land will be investigated.
During the meeting, the West Bengal Chief Minister said that the government land has been encroached upon, Howrah Police and State Chief Secretary are directed to investigate, and action will be taken against whoever is behind this.
She highlighted that the encroachment is the biggest problem, and people have been made to sit as soon as they see vacant space. Some people are taking money in return and some people are giving money.