Bengal Urban development minister warns of action against agency over neglect of Subhas Sarobar

Kolkata, Jul 15 (PTI) West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul on Wednesday expressed displeasure over the poor upkeep of Subhas Sarobar, alleging that the agency responsible for its maintenance had failed to deliver despite receiving lakhs of rupees every month from the government. The minister visited the lake on Wednesday morning along with senior officials of her department to inspect the condition. "I had earlier visited Rabindra Sarobar, and today I inspected Subhas Sarobar. An agency has been entrusted with the maintenance of these places. Despite receiving lakhs of rupees, it is not doing the job. This state of affairs cannot continue," Paul told reporters. During the inspection, she found heaps of garbage, inadequate water supply and lighting in public toilets, and a community hall that had remained neglected for a long time. She also interacted with regular morning walkers to take stock of the problems faced by visitors. Paul said the government would not tolerate such negligence and warned of strict action against the agency. "If required, the tender will be cancelled. We will examine the work that has actually been done and the allocation will be reduced accordingly," she said. The minister also inspected the adjoining slum area and directed officials to improve park infrastructure, strengthen security arrangements and restore the condition of the public toilets on priority. She said prompt steps would be taken, with the help of experts, to restore and redevelop Subhas Sarobar. PTI SCH RG