Bidhannagar Mayor and Deputy Mayor under fire for water and service failures, TMC to discuss leadership change

Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation is grappling with multiple challenges related to basic civic services, with water supply, drainage, and sanitation emerging as the primary points of concern. The mayor and deputy mayor of the corporation are facing increasing criticism due to residents’ dissatisfaction with the handling of these issues. In response to the growing frustration, an important meeting has been scheduled for Thursday afternoon, under the leadership of Minister Firhad Hakim, with representatives from all 41 wards of the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation. This meeting, taking place at the Urban Development Department, is expected to address the administration’s performance and explore potential changes in leadership.

Bidhannagar, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Trinamool Congress, has seen the party dominate 40 out of its 41 wards. However, despite this dominance, the party's performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in the area raised concerns, as it failed to secure the expected results in many wards. Complaints about the quality of civic services have escalated, particularly in relation to water supply, drainage systems, and waste management. A significant portion of the public believes that the current leadership has not adequately addressed these issues, which has affected the overall governance and functioning of the corporation.

A major issue faced by residents is the inadequate water management and drainage systems. Water stagnation has been reported across several areas of Bidhannagar, particularly during the monsoon season. Residents have complained about standing water in streets and around homes, which is compounded by poor drainage infrastructure. In some cases, stagnant water has led to problems with mosquito breeding, further exacerbating health concerns in the area. The municipal authorities have been criticized for their slow response to these issues, despite the growing public outcry.

Sanitation services have also been a significant point of contention. Complaints about irregular garbage collection and street cleaning have been widespread. In some areas, residents and local businesses have resorted to self-organizing waste collection services due to the failure of the municipality to maintain cleanliness. Shopkeepers have pooled resources to hire private workers for garbage collection and street cleaning, as the municipal sanitation services have been deemed insufficient. This has further highlighted the shortcomings of the current administration in delivering basic services to the citizens.

In addition to water and sanitation problems, illegal construction and encroachments on public spaces have also been major concerns for residents. Reports of unauthorized construction activities have surfaced, with some residents expressing concerns over encroachment on roads and public spaces, which further complicates traffic and pedestrian movement. These issues have persisted despite repeated complaints from the local community.

The meeting scheduled for Thursday will likely focus on addressing these critical issues, particularly improving the drainage and water management systems, ensuring consistent sanitation services, and taking action against illegal constructions and encroachments. There is speculation that the leadership of the corporation could be restructured, with changes to the mayor and deputy mayor positions being considered to better respond to public grievances. With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, the Trinamool Congress is keen to resolve these issues to avoid any electoral impact from the continuing service failures. The outcome of this meeting could shape the future of the municipality's leadership and its ability to address the growing concerns of the people.