Bulldozers roll through Howrah Station area as Bengal government escalates crackdown on illegal encroachments
The Statesman | 17 May 2026
A major demolition drive was carried out under heavy police deployment near the Howrah Railway Station area as authorities moved to clear alleged illegal encroachments and unauthorised constructions from key public spaces. The operation, which triggered tense scenes in parts of the city, comes amid an intensified campaign by the newly formed government in West Bengal to remove structures said to be occupying government land unlawfully.
Bulldozers and civic teams were seen operating around congested stretches near Howrah station, while security personnel maintained strict vigil to prevent any disruption during the clearance operation. Similar action has also been underway in areas surrounding Sealdah Railway Station as the administration widens its anti-encroachment drive across urban pockets of the state.
Amid the ongoing demolition operations, West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh issued a strong warning against illegal occupation of public land, asserting that bulldozers would be used wherever unlawful structures are found.
Speaking to reporters in Kharagpur, Ghosh said the state government had begun action against illegal constructions from the very first day after assuming office. He maintained that no encroachment on government property would be tolerated under any circumstances.
The Minister appealed to people involved in unauthorised activities to regularise their operations and function within legal boundaries, assuring that lawful businesses would receive full government support. He also urged encroachers to vacate voluntarily to avoid forced action and further complications.
The intensified crackdown comes in the backdrop of a recent fire tragedy in Kolkata’s Tiljala area that left two people dead and renewed concerns over densely packed illegal structures and unsafe construction practices in several localities.
Officials have indicated that the government is reviewing multiple areas where alleged unauthorised constructions have expanded over the years, particularly around transport hubs, market zones and government land parcels.
Authorities said the latest operations were aimed at easing congestion, improving public safety and reclaiming land occupied illegally. The administration is expected to continue similar drives in other parts of the state in the coming days as the anti-encroachment campaign gathers pace.