Kolkata: The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority has decided to demolish unauthorised structures under several canal bridges across the city. They will also set up barricades to prevent further encroachment at these spots. The canal bridges where the authorities plan to clear encroachments and install barricades include Karunamoyee Bridge, Chetla Lock Gate bridge, Chitpore bridge, Bagmari bridge, Salt Lake slip bridge, and Chetla RCC bridge. Officials said these bridges, which span different canals across the city, have shanties under them on the canal sides. "Last year, a fire broke out in a slum under Durgapur bridge in New Alipore. The bridge was damaged and KMDA had to take up repair work. There are encroachments, like shanties and makeshift structures, under several such bridges that need to be cleared to prevent similar incidents," said a KMDA official.
KMDA has started the process to engage agencies for the job at an estimate of nearly Rs 50 lakh. — Suman Chakraborti