Hooghly, 03 June (H.S.): Residents of Tarapukur in Serampore staged a protest on Wednesday alleging illegal filling of a government-owned wetland and unauthorized construction in the area. Protesters claimed that the wetland had been filled and portions of the land sold, severely affecting the local drainage system and causing waterlogging even after light rainfall.

The demonstrators accused Pintu Nag, councillor of Ward No. 27, of being linked to the alleged encroachment and demanded the removal of all illegal structures as well as restoration of the government land.

Local BJP worker Payel Roy said that persistent waterlogging has increased the risk of dengue and other diseases in the locality. She also alleged that municipal authorities have failed to provide adequate civic services to address the issue.

However, councillor Pintu Nag denied all the allegations. Speaking over the phone, he said that the land in question does not fall within his ward. According to him, the land is not government property and had been legally bought and sold several years ago. He maintained that he has no connection with the matter and is being unnecessarily dragged into the controversy.

The protesters warned that if immediate steps are not taken to remove the alleged illegal constructions and restore the wetland, they will file a formal complaint at Serampore Police Station and launch a larger agitation in the coming days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey