Despite NGT clearance, no arrangements for Poush Mela till now

Kolkata: Despite National Green Tribunal (NGT's) clearance for organising Poush Mela in Santiniketan, a cloud of uncertainly looms large over the traditional fair in Birbhum.

No substantial steps have been allegedly taken to organise the fair in Santiniketan so far owning to some issues between the Visva Bharati University authorities and the Bolpur Byaboshai Samity.

The Bolpur Byaboshai Samity, which is a local organisation of businessmen, raised some demands, including the online booking of stalls, but the allotment of place to the stalls should be done as per the earlier system. Those who are interested in putting a stall in the fair have to deposit caution money. As a result, small stall owners are likely face difficulties in arranging funds.

Earlier, there was no system of depositing caution money.

The organisation demanded that the system of depositing money must be withdrawn.

The local businessmen also placed their demands for extending the duration of the fair from 4-6 days. The organization also said that they were ready to abide by the verdicts issued by the National Green Tribunal.

It is said they would ensure there is no pollution at Poush Mela site.

A member of Poush Mela trust claimed arrangements are being made slowly to organise Poush Mela and a solid waste management system will be put in place on the fair ground as per the order of the National Green Tribunal.