Kolkata, 1 August (H.S.) -In a major initiative to enhance Kolkata’s cultural appeal and prepare the city for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will soon remove all advertisement hoardings, posters, and festoons from the exteriors of the city’s heritage buildings. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim has confirmed this.

Mayor Hakim emphasized that the move is aimed at both beautifying the city and preserving its rich architectural heritage. “It had come to our notice that many heritage structures have been completely covered with advertisements. This is unacceptable. The KMC will take strict action against such violations,” he said.

To ensure that the process is carried out with historical and structural accuracy, two reputed engineering institutions—Jadavpur University and the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur—have been tasked with identifying all heritage buildings in Kolkata. These institutes will evaluate structures based on their historical and archaeological significance.

Once identification is complete, the KMC will begin removing all visual clutter from the designated buildings. Additionally, Mayor Hakim stated that hawkers will no longer be allowed to operate in front of these heritage sites, and efforts will be made to illuminate the front facades to enhance their visibility and charm.

This initiative is part of a broader city beautification drive being undertaken ahead of Durga Puja, one of Bengal’s largest cultural and religious festivals. The KMC has already marked several key intersections in the city as no-hoarding zones.

Every year, Kolkata attracts lakhs of visitors, including international tourists, during the festival season. City officials hope that restoring the visibility of its historic architecture will offer a more authentic and visually appealing experience to residents and tourists alike.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh