Kolkata’s famous College Street in West Bengal has become the center of a new political controversy. The controversy started when BJP leader Agnimitra Paul proposed to convert this book hub on the lines of London’s Oxford Street. On one hand, hawkers have opposed this proposal. On the other hand, TMC has given a sharp reaction, while some businessmen believe that this step can improve the area.
According to this proposal by Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul, the plan includes creating no-vehicle zones, setting up theme-based book stalls and preparing the streetscape in a more organized manner. At the same time, the hawkers of College Street are protesting against this, which may threaten their livelihood. Although the idea is being pitched as a makeover of the famous book district, the fear of displacement has heightened already existing concerns about hawker regulation in the area.
This issue has also become political, with TMC and BJP blaming each other regarding this concept. The BJP defended the vision as a modern urban upgrade, while the TMC alleged that such announcements ignore the concerns of local traders and workers. However, some locals welcomed the idea, saying a better-maintained College Street could ease transportation and bring back the charm of the area.
Hawkers and small vendors face livelihood crisis
Nevertheless, critics argue that any redevelopment plan must preserve the unique identity of the book market and protect the livelihood of hawkers and small vendors. A book vendor on College Street believes that solving the problem of waterlogging in the area is more important than converting College Street into ‘Oxford Street’.
Can make it like Oxford Street: Agnimitra
Minister and BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul says College Street can be converted into a world-class book district like Oxford Street. But issues related to heritage and livelihood will have to be handled carefully. “Our aim is to promote cycling in the area and make it free from cars and pollution.”
TMC MLA protested
TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh says, “This is not development; it is a political drama at the cost of people’s lives. There is a deep relationship between Kolkata and London, but they are geographically separated. Although it is good if the new government tries to do so, but what about the other promises?”
College Street needs modernization
BJP leader Samik Bhattacharya said that “College Street needs modernisation, and this plan aims to make the area cleaner, safer and more attractive.”
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