Latest news with #NewTownKolkataDevelopmentAuthority
Time of India
18-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
New Town likely to get 9-acre wildlife conservation park
Kolkata: With an indigenous population of golden jackals and other wildlife, like snakes and monitor lizards , often being spotted in New Town, the govt is considering a plan to develop an urban wildlife forestry conservation park in the township with the aim to preserve such animals to avoid man-animal conflict. Sources from the state secretariat said the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (Hidco) has earmarked a nine-acre plot near Kadampukur in the border area of New Town Action Area II. The forest department is preparing a concept note on the plan, govt sources said. "The plan is in its preliminary stage. The New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) had earlier proposed to the forest department if a wildlife conservation park could be set up since any new township often displays wildlife to a certain degree, and there is a need for conservation of wildlife. A meeting was recently convened between forest department, Hidco and NKDA officials, where the forest department has primarily shown interest in the proposal," a govt official said. Wildlife conservationists said the administration was on the right track. "It will be a good initiative if such a conservation park is developed, as wildlife like jackals, monitor lizards, and snakes can be conserved, it will prevent man-animal conflict and also save them from road mishaps in the urban setup. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo The conservation effort would be more effective if, in the long run, after their numbers increase following breeding, the animals are released in the jungle to rehabilitate them in the natural setup in which they belong," said wildlife conservationist Biswajit Roy Chowdhury. New Town is surrounded by panchayat areas of greater Rajarhat and Bhangar, which still have a considerable number of wildlife. These animals — jackals and monitor lizards — often stray into New Town and come in front of vehicles. Multiple jackals died in road accidents in New Town in the first two months of this year, and 12 injured jackals were rescued. Not only jackals, but both venomous and non-venomous snakes are often spotted in different places of the township, especially during the monsoon, with multiple snakebite deaths reported in 2023. Following this, the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) came up with a detailed guideline on snakebite management. There is the forest department's wildlife rescue and transit facility in Salt Lake, where snakes and other wildlife spotted in nearby areas are rescued and brought in before they are released into the jungle. The facility often receives calls from different areas of Salt Lake and New Town for rescuing snakes, including venomous ones, that are spotted. At present, there is also the mini zoo spread over 12.5 acres next to Eco Park, which has animals like spotted and bark deer, zebra, giraffe, and a hippopotamus that were brought in under the animal exchange plan. Hidco has also developed a bird enclosure in New Town, which has become a safe habitat for birds and turtles.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New Town set to get 2 more smart bus stops
1 2 Kolkata: The New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) plans to set up two more smart bus stops at New Town on both ends of the road near the National Insurance Company building on Street No 372. The estimated project cost to set up each of the bus stops according to the existing model was pegged at Rs 14.6 lakh. Officials said that this is a pending work as part of setting up smart bus stops or bus passenger shelters expanding towards Action Area III. At present, there are around 14 smart bus stops across New Town, with most of them in areas of Action Area I and II. NKDA has been setting up smart bus stops which have a modern look along with passenger-friendly amenities, as could be seen in cities abroad. The first such smart bus stop inaugurated in New Town was in Nov, 2020. The smart bus stops have electronic boards which display bus arrival and departure timings along with a map of the area with directions to move to nearby important places. There are also sitting arrangements and a newspaper, magazine corner along with a kiosk for commuters to sit, and have a cup of tea or coffee while waiting for a bus.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
NKDA kicks off fire safety inspection drive in New Town
1 2 3 Kolkata: Following the repeated fire incidents in the city, the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has started a two-day inspection drive covering 227 building premises across New Town. The focus is on fire safety and compliance, especially in residential structures where commercial activities are taking place. NKDA officials said that the objective of the drive is to examine compliance with regard to fire safety protocols and regulatory approvals. Six inspection teams, each comprising three members, were formed to conduct the drive under the close supervision of senior officials. The teams include representatives from both the assessment section and the surveillance teams to conduct a coordinated and technically sound review of each premise. "The inspection aims to assess the fire hazard implications of mixed-use buildings, verify the presence and validity of Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and examine on-ground preparedness, such as the availability of fire extinguishers, hydrants, and awareness among occupants regarding their usage," said an NKDA official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Deals Undo "The drive is conducted at premises that have already obtained NOC from NKDA, and those operating without any such approvals. Dedicated documentation is being maintained for the latter category to facilitate further regulatory action wherever necessary," said an official. While the majority of the premises are being inspected within the scheduled two-day period, the remaining locations will be covered after a few days. Certain premises, including pre-schools that are found to be locked at the time of visit, will be re-inspected on Monday. "The exercise will continue until all identified sites are duly covered," said an official.
