Soon, KMC to renovate Mayer Bari

Kolkata: Keeping pace with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's plans of developing Heritage Tourism in a big way throughout the state, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will soon begin work for renovating Mayer Bari in Bagbazar and convert it into a tourist destination.

The stretch around the heritage building where Maa Sarada had spent 11 years of her life will also be beautified.

"We have devised a comprehensive plan for the renovation of Mayer Bari made of tiles. There were a number of hurdles that needed to be cleared and now the stage is completely set for beginning work. The state Urban Development department has allocated funds for the renovation. The slum-dwellers who has been occupying the place opposite to Mayer Bari will be relocated to a five-storeyed building that will come up adjacent to Mayer Bari," member Mayor-in-Council (Bustee Development ) Swapan Samaddar said.

Ramakrishna Paramhansha's wife Sarada Devi had lived at the two-storeyed house off Bagbazar Street for 11 years (1909-1920).

There are 300 families on Rabindra Sarani who have been occupying the 1.25 acre land opposite Mayer Bari .The KMC has been able to convince the slum-dwellers for relocation. Local MLA and state Social Welfare minister Shashi Panja said: "It is part of our plan to give a boost to heritage tourism. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is laying a lot of emphasis on this." A high-level meeting on how to go about the work will be chaired by Municipal Commissioner Khalil Ahmed at the KMC headquarters on Monday where Ms Panja will also be present.

A vocational training centre and a children's park will also be set up at the place after relocating the slum. The stretch will also be decked up with illuminative lights to give it a majestic look.

The house will be an integral part of the heritage-cum-religious tourism project conceived by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The narrow lane leading to Mayer Bari is a major hassle, especially during festivals when thousands of devotees line up to pay homage to Sree Sree Maa. The roads will also be widened. Hundreds of devotees and tourists from India and abroad throng the building every day.