Township's wish: More parks, clean markets, better security

KOLKATA: Salt Lake residents have great expectations of Trinamool Congress. After ousting the Left Front from the posh township for the first time in 15 years, the residents want the Trinamool board to give them a cleaner, greener town with spruced up markets, parks and roads.
Ordinary residents and celebrity neighbours alike have a long list of very basic demands of the councillors they've just elected.
The vibes TOI felt while going around Salt Lake on Thursday, a day after the civic poll results, were one of disgust for the outgoing Left Front board. "They have done nothing in 15 years but systematically destroy Salt Lake," was the refrain.
"Look at the condition of this market," fumed homemaker Sheuli Banerjee while shopping in BD Market near her house. "Shopping here is a nightmare, especially during the monsoon. We had repeatedly asked our councillor to get it renovated but he simply sat on our request. Good riddance."
Shoppers in CK and CA markets the oldest in Salt Lake said the same. "They were never maintained well. People just don't want come to these shabby places," said CA Block's Rajesh Soni.
Painter Suvaprasanna, who lives in BH Block, said Salt Lake had been neglected ever since the town was built. "It was ruined by Left rulers but has the potential to develop as a globally known city. I dream of a green and nature-friendly Salt Lake with security for its residents. Central Park should be renovated as a recreation centre for everyone, from toddlers to octogenarians. Roads and pavements need urgent repair and a water treatment plant is a must," he said.
Ace footballer Dipendu Biswas of FD Block wants the new board to beautify all parks in Salt Lake. "Some parks were never maintained. This has to change for the sake of our children," Biswas said.
Former CBI joint director and CG block resident Upen Biswas said Salt Lake was crime-prone. "Though crime control is not the municipality's job, I hope the new board asks police to step up vigil. Women feel insecure about taking an evening walk," said Biswas.
Bidhannagar Welfare Association general secretary Kumar Shankar Sadhu said the new board should reject the LF board's proposal to allow houseowners to add a floor to two-storied homes. "I oppose this. Salt Lake has an unique skyline which will be ruined if the proposal is okayed," said Sadhu.
Former state police chief and BF Block resident B P Saha wants the property tax and drinking water problems solved. Upal Sengupta of Bangla band Chandrabindo, who lives in AE Block, echoed Saha on the tax issue.