Stall Out! KMC’s Silent Strike Reclaims Prime Kolkata Land Overnight

Image Source: Times of India

In a sudden and strategic raid, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) in aid of a strong police force demolished 48 illegal stalls that occupied a government plot on Prince Anwar Shah Road opposite Lord's crossing. The surprise raid is a major step towards retrieving public land encroached upon for years.

Major Developments

The 29cottah property at 355 Prince Anwar Shah Road, belonging to the state's department of information and cultural affairs, had been running as a market for decades
Food, vegetable, lottery counter, and even Trinamool Congress office were among the buildings razed to the ground
It was demolished secretly in order to prevent resistance, which proved fruitful following the failed attempts in 2018 and earlier this year
A blaze had burned down some of the shops in 2018, and compensation was said to have been given to reconstruct them.

Political and Administrative Context

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee protested in June 2024, accusing officials and police of being blind to encroachments
Upon her remarks, the police took the vendors' details and KMC began demarcating the land
Earlier advisories issued in March and May 2025 had sought voluntary evacuation by the stall owners

Next Steps

KMC will develop a boundary wall on reclaimed land so that future encroachment is prevented The land owner, Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), will be required to help acquire the land.

Sources: Times of India, Telegraph India, Urban Acres.