“Our government is determined to stand by the poor by up-lifting their socio-economic status through infrastructural development’- said the Hon’ble Mayor
Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry organised a Special Session with Mr. Firhad Hakim, Hon’ble Mayor of Kolkata & Minister for Municipal Affairs and Urban Development, Government of West Bengal on “Re-imagining Next-Gen Infrastructure through Smart, Inclusive and Sustainable Development” on 19.11.2025 at The Lalit Great Eastern, Kolkata.
Ms. Priti A. Sureka, President, MCCI in her opening remarks lauded the Hon’ble Mayor’s commitment to transforming Kolkata into a modern, livable and inclusive metropolis. She viewed that business and government can work hand in hand to create the next generation of urban infrastructure—one that not only drives economic growth but also enhances the quality of life for every citizen. While referring to the pros and cons of suburbanization, she urged the Government to take balanced approach to mitigate the challenges and ensure sustainable urbanization.
While referring to suburbanization in Kolkata, Dr. Nitesh Kumar, Managing Director & CEO, Emami Realty pointed out the incentive run policies adopted in different states like Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka for decongestion and better planning. He also referred to the redevelopment policy of other States like upgradation of dilapidated buildings, slum rehabilitation, unlimited FSI and Affordable housing scheme. He also suggested the state government to adopt the policy of allocation of land to developers at affordable prices along with other incentives to encourage construction of old age homes for senior citizens offering all round community and medical facilities. Spiritual Housing or residential housing around pilgrimage or religious centres can also be encouraged.
Mr. Firhad Hakim, Hon’ble Mayor of Kolkata & Minister for Municipal Affairs and Urban Development, Government of West Bengal mentioned that Kolkata, a city of more than 300 years has expanded in length and breadth over the years. For a long period of time city’s development has been done in unplanned way. The population of Kolkata is more than 15 million whereas population density is approx. 30,000 square km. Kolkata is one of the populated city.
“Our government’s priority is to stand by the poor for their upliftment and believes in social inclusion’- said the Hon’ble Mayor.
On redevelopment of slum, he mentioned that the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal has renamed slum areas as Uttaran, marking a significant step towards transforming these areas. Under, Sanitation Initiatives (2025-26), total number of Sanitary Latrines Constructed is 184 with a total cost of Rs. 1.86 crores. He also informed that more than 2000 projects are sanctioned under Affordable Housing Project.
The government is focusing on eco-Friendly road development, using concrete/paver blocks instead of hot bituminous work to reduce air pollution and address waterlogging issues. He pointed out that Kolkata has barely 6% of its total area under road network. The focus of the Government is to connect different corners of the city with more and more flyover and also the priority is smooth roads.
Regarding drainage development and SWM, the Hon’ble Mayor mentioned that the Government is planning for permanent solution of water logging in Kolkata. Keeping city outfall channels and canals clear is crucial for improving flood control and urban drainage by using dredging to remove sediment, silt, and debris. KMC is improving the hydraulic capacity of 27 canals. Also periodical de-siltation and lining of major canals including Tolly’s Canal are being done.
On Road Sweeping, Mr. Hakim highlighted that :
KMC has proceesed about 15.0 lakh legacy 500 TPD Window Compost plant
100 TPD MRF with 10 TPD plastic waste processing facilities at Dhapa
500 TPD C&D Plant at Patharghata and 5 TPD Bio-CNG plant at Dhapa
12.14 Ha land capped and 300 KLD Leachate treatment Plant (LTP)
All are running in full swing.
He mentioned that KMC is working on the development of Bhangar and Bantala areas to provide better urban facilities, including improved infrastructure, sanitation under Green City initiative. KMC is focusing on vertical gardening, more usage of renewable sources of Energy, installation of canal-top solar panels with LED lights, mandatory provision for rooftop gardening and rain water harvesting to maintain a clean and green city, extra FAR for green building and mandatory tree coverage in land area and built up area in case of large complexes over certain area.
The session ended with a hearty Vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Munish Jhajharia, Sr. Vice President, MCCI. He appreciated the government’s priority of people-centric development. He said that infrastructure is not just as physical structures, but as systems that uplift communities and improve quality of life.
