BMC to conduct special cleanliness drive

As per plans of BMC, such drives will be conducted thrice including during the night. A 17 member committee to monitor cleanliness has been formed. Apart from the existing team of labourers, an additional 100 labourers have been roped in by BMC for this purpose. "We are taking all possible steps to ensure the best of cleanliness in Bidhannagar during Under-17 World Cup," BMC Mayor Sabyasachi Dutta said.

According to sources, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has instructed Dutta to keep Bidhannagar clean and green during the event. A number of foreign tourists have already reached the city for the U 17 World Cup and many more will come as the tournament progresses. 10 matches including the final will be held in the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan.

The BMC will also conduct drives against mosquitoes and spread mosquito repellent on a regular basis to prevent diseases like malaria and dengue. The foreign tourists will be staying in nearly half a dozen star quality hotels in Salt Lake and its adjoining areas so the drive in these places will be prioritised.

"The illuminated roads and trimmed trees will present Bidhannagar in a new way," Debasish Jana, Member Mayor in Council (solid waste management) of BMC said.

The BMC has also been instructed by the state government to make arrangements for tourists if they want to visit places like Eco Park, Mother's Wax Museum, Nazrul Tirtha or the Nicco Park.

As part of beautification, BMC has cleared the encroachments of the footpaths in front of Bidyut Bhavan and around the international bus stop. The open spaces has been filled with potted plants. The service road in front of Anandalok Hospital, opposite ED Block, that used to be a congested marketplace for vegetables, fish and meat with makeshift stalls have been cleared. The entire stretch of the footpath around Gate 4 of Salt Lake stadium has also been cleared of illegal food stalls.