CM Mamata renames Howrah’s drainage canal road to Shailen Manna Sarani, unveils new community plans

In a significant move, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced the renaming of Howrah’s Drainage Canal Road to "Shailen Manna Sarani" in honor of the late legendary footballer Shailen Manna. The 2.5 to 3-kilometer-long road, which runs parallel to Dumurjola Stadium, will now bear the name of one of Bengal's most iconic footballers. The renaming follows a request from local residents, which was submitted to the Chief Minister. The official plaque unveiling ceremony took place on Thursday.

The Chief Minister’s directive to rename the road came on Tuesday, prior to her departure to Digha. Mamata Banerjee instructed the Howrah Municipal Corporation and district administration to take the necessary steps for renaming the road and improving the surrounding area. "I have instructed that the name of the Drainage Canal Road be changed to Shailen Manna Sarani. If there is no other road named after Shailen Manna in Howrah, then this road can be named after him," she had stated. This initiative aligns with her ongoing efforts to honor the state's sporting icons and revitalize local infrastructure.

Along with the renaming, a series of developmental projects have been initiated along the road. One key aspect of the development is the establishment of stalls by self-help groups. These stalls, set up along both sides of the road, offer a range of products, including clothing, jewelry, and other locally-made items. The initiative also promotes the "Sufal Bangla" program, which provides fresh produce from local farmers to the public.

Further plans for the area include the construction of a library and a restaurant, as well as designated spaces for children’s recreational activities. These developments are intended to create a vibrant community space, providing residents with a variety of services and amenities. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of improving public spaces and creating opportunities for local businesses and self-help groups.

After returning from East Midnapore on Thursday, Mamata Banerjee personally visited the renamed road to inspect the progress of the beautification efforts and the newly established stalls. During her visit, she reviewed the work carried out by the Howrah Municipal Corporation and district administration. The officials present confirmed that the road’s development plan was moving forward as scheduled.

This move is part of a broader plan to enhance the infrastructure in Howrah and other parts of Bengal. By renaming the road and improving its surroundings, Mamata Banerjee aims to not only honor Shailen Manna’s legacy but also boost local economic activity and community engagement through the promotion of self-reliance and public-private partnerships.