West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul today said illegal construction in the Siliguri Municipal Corporation and Darjeeling Hills municipal areas will not be tolerated. Chairing a high-level review meeting in Siliguri, she said a committee will identify all unauthorised constructions, following which action, including demolition, will be taken.

She added that heavy penalties will be imposed where demolition is not feasible. The Minister also reviewed civic issues, including drinking water supply, sanitation, drainage, solid waste management and traffic congestion. She directed officials to take strict action against littering and said the process of constituting the new Dabgram-Fulbari Municipality will begin soon.

Ms. Paul also chaired a review meeting with officials of the Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik municipalities to assess urban governance, implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and other public welfare initiatives.