KNOW YOUR MLA - S DUTTA
Rana Bose
Sabyasachi Dutta, 45
Home: DL 239, Sector 2, Salt Lake City, Calcutta-91.
Family: Father, mother, wife, brother and sister-in-law.
Education: BCom from Umesh Chandra College; LLB from South Calcutta Law College.
Profession: Owns IT firm.
Likes: Hindi films and football.
Dislikes: Any addiction, except politics.
Promises: Better roads and “to take care of the cheated landlosers”.
Can be reached at: 9830055833. Will meet people at the Hidco office at New Town between 9am and noon. Can also be met at the Rajarhat party office, opposite the police station, during weekends.
Its good to hear that an mla could be met to discuss the problems.I have been alloted a plot in Action area III,it was supposed to be handed over in 2009 but as yet nothing has happened.What is irritating is that HIDCO has made no communication regarding possession or reason for its delay in the past 2 years.Any idea who to approach in HIDCO regarding possession of individual and co=op plots? Date: Friday, June 17, 2011, 8:37 AM
From: gautam bhadra <gbh...@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [RHAT] NEW TOWN DEMANDS ITS DUE - 'Meeting with MLA
To: rh...@yahoogroups.com
Cc: "Dr Goho" <drs...@gmail.com>, "Sarkar Uttara" <panc...@yahoo.co.in>, "Mahapatra Ujwala" <mami...@yahoo.com>, "Greenwoodsonata owners" <green...@yahoogroups.com>
I thank you all for your proactive views.I am staying in New Town since last two and half year and this the first time when the local MLA Mr Sabyasachi Dutta met residents of All Four Complexes adjacent to City Centre- II at Aloktika Housing Complex on 12th June 2011 and discuss the followings:-1) Supply of drinking water is major issue. At present we are getting ground water supply from PH Dept. But Mr Dutta suggested us to follow up with Senior Officers of HIDCO, insisting them to follow the project of surface water supply from Hooghly River to water treatment plant of New Town Action Area- I. Mr Dutta caution us that in future arsenic contamination of ground water may lead to a disaster for New Town residents.2) We discuss other issues like sewerage, law and order, beautification etc Mr Dutta assure his support of garbage disposal by using infrastructure of Salt Lake Municipality, he will set up his local office at New Town for better access. He request residents to prepare short term and long term objective of residents of New Town and forward to him.We are thankful to Dr Goho Secretary of Aloktika Housing Complex who took leading role to organise the meeting with local authority.It will be more productive if we all come together and form a body to develop New Town to Green Town.
From: RandomWalk <rando...@ymail.com>
To: rh...@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, 16 June, 2011 8:35:28 PM
Subject: Re: [RHAT] NEW TOWN DEMANDS ITS DUE - 'RA
This "Green Town" idea will definitely fly with TMC. The newtown stakes for the political parties are a little different compared to the rest of us here on this list. The party (or the people who make the party) are the exclusive supplier of building materials to the newtown projects, exclusive arbiter of land transfer / zoning/ plan approval and completion.Newtown development feeds this value chain. The infrastr issues that cropped up or remain unresolved is a result of argument over share of spoils - between rival political groups.
As power in the assembly shifts, so will affiliation of raw material suppliers. None of the suppliers are residents of newtown, but they will practice politics in this area because this is where the money is. So there will be encroachments for party offices / clubs / tea stalls where the suppliers congregate. This is something residents will have to watch out for.I see some positives in the CM's new policy on land acquisition - where the developer is supposed to bargain directly with the landowner. The presence of intermediaries lowers the actual payment to the landowner by 50% or more (of what the developer pays the govt). This is what stopped the DLF township in Dankuni.For us, one way forward would be to be in constant touch with the elected local leaders and administrators. We need a residents body and someone to represent us in communications with local govt. Also a petition listing our concerns will be good to start with.
--- On Thu, 6/16/11, Pradipta Mullick <kkkpr...@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Pradipta Mullick <kkkpr...@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [RHAT] NEW TOWN DEMANDS ITS DUE - 'RA
To: rh...@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, June 16, 2011, 2:12 PM
I am trying to put my thouhghts together, if we write or talk to media, or NRI Cell what is our proposition ?Also, what probably the restrictions for the administrations are, to what seems commonsenseHow to prioritize- scarce capital- administration resources- what will bring some visible growthWhat we want to get ?1. good governance2. good facilitiesWhat we have to offer ?Directly- For 10,000 residents (~ 10-12 projects), @ 100K US$, brings 1 bn$ capital investments- taxes of 250 $/ qtr/residence = 8 M$- retail sales of annual 6,000 $ / house hold = 60 M$- various services of like health/education/transport - 1,000 $/house hold = 10 M$ annually- creates at least as many (~10,000) direct jobs (e.g. helper, cook, driver etc)- another ~4 times indirect jobs - that is 40,000 jobs (voters satisfaction)etc.Indirectly- Probably 5-10% of this are biz owners, who are likely to invest in the local opportunities.- Remaining 90~95% are quality professionals- A network of other investors and professionals as friends and colleagues- Attract businesses which can utilize some of these professionals- Daily services like education, health, transport which are likely tetc.For entire New Town, I would presume at least 10-15 times of scalability of the above figures, that is 10 bn$ investments etc..I presume we can package these together as a clear statement of our 'proposition', to share with Ministry, Hidco Officials, media, NRI forums, biz forums . That should be a possible lever of change.There might be many more, once we start to explore 'What we have to offer' than submitting our list of complains and demands..Probably we can offer to Rebrand the 'New Town' to 'Kings to(w)n' or even 'Queen's Land' ... sounds some where near London..I would personally like a 'Green Town'.best regardsPradipta Mullick,Tokyo, Japan
From: sanju bose Roy <sanj...@gmail.com>
To: rh...@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, June 16, 2011 2:15:53 PM
Subject: Re: [RHAT] NEW TOWN DEMANDS ITS DUE
I am in Boston and interested in development and progres sof Bengal and Rajarhat area in particular.My mail id is sanj...@gmail.comSanjuOn Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 1:45 AM, Arindam Chatterjee <arin...@yahoo.com> wrote:
I am in NJ and would be willing to support the cause of Bengal and RHAT. Let me knowThanksArindam
Sent from my iPhone
I'm hoping Partha Chatteree and others will be hosted by TIE in California v soon. That will be a good time to speak on Rajarhat. Since none of the TIE folks may actually have visited Rajarhat, you may highlight issues (and ways of resolving them) they may face when setting up facility in / around Kolkata.
I'm looking for people in the east coast who can join me in doing the same in NY.
--- On Wed, 6/15/11, Mishti Basu <misht...@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Mishti Basu <misht...@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [RHAT] NEW TOWN DEMANDS ITS DUE
To: rh...@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2011, 5:36 PM
Thank you RandomWalk... very inspiring email.I totally agree with you, Rajarhat is very well positioned to generate revenue. I also like your idea of rallying other groups.
I live in Calif and heard President Obama's recent speech with assurance of bringing back manufacturing (different though). Similarly, hearing WB CM encouraging manufacturing....under conditions of crisis, the most tactical decisions makes sense to leverage on current strengths i.e.IT, healthcare, travel and tourism and other service sectors than manufacturing. Manufacturing will bring back strike, green/red flags, lost productivity, all obstacles in the path of economic recovery.I live in Calif, and definitely interested in the development of Rhat.How can I help?
Thanks
Mishti
From: RandomWalk <rando...@ymail.com>
To: rh...@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, June 15, 2011 5:58:02 AM
Subject: Re: [RHAT] NEW TOWN DEMANDS ITS DUE
Rajarhat seems to be the only place so close to the city (&airport) with space to develop infrastr. We will have a chance to steer this development if we can rally other residents. I'm in NYC. The state officials and ministers visit NY often, attend meetings, meet investors. These meetings will be a good opportunity to discuss the specifics of Rhat's development, with them. Pls drop me a mail if you are in the tri state area and interested in Rajarhat's development.
--- On Tue, 6/14/11, Mishti Basu <misht...@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Mishti Basu <misht...@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [RHAT] NEW TOWN DEMANDS ITS DUE
To: rh...@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, June 14, 2011, 9:45 PM
Thank you Mr. Mullick for your support. Love your quote!Over three decades of economic calamity has sent the State of WB into irreversible decline, I find reassurance in the peculiarly cycle of crisis and renewal, and in the continuing strength of the forces that have made Bengalees thrive in the world of science, arts, culture of innovation in most significant ways. I am not an economist, however, feel when other States are thriving, there's no reason why we cannot believe in WB again. It will be extremely challenging, but majority of people are willing to try.....Since we are all geographically dispersed group (I am in the US), let's work on how to best plan this campaign to make New Town a great place to live.Folks, would appreciate you sharing ideas on how to execute this plan? Fire up.ThanksMishti
From: Pradipta Mullick <kkkpr...@yahoo.com>
To: rh...@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, June 14, 2011 4:43:22 AM
Subject: Re: [RHAT] NEW TOWN DEMANDS ITS DUE
This is definitely a good idea, all these sounds good. Why not start what we can think off. I am sure, others will join.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
From: Mishti Basu <misht...@yahoo.com>
To: rh...@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, June 14, 2011 2:11:38 PM
Subject: Re: [RHAT] NEW TOWN DEMANDS ITS DUE
WB economy and public interest are at stake, what are the ways to grab government's attention towards cause? Percentage of land which doesn't involve farmers and infrastructure which are ready to operate and generate job, wealth is going waste. These are commoners:-
- Contacting: Mamata Banerjee, Housing Minister, Local Leaders, Amit Mitra
- Writing: Letter, face-to-face meeting (protest without being aggressive), email
- Writing: Letters to editors, commenting on newspaper articles (residents who are out of India can contribute and make a significant difference)
Do we have a group already doing the above? Can you share the names of the groups? How can we join or is there a way we can incorporate into one group?Thanks
From: RandomWalk <rando...@ymail.com>
To: rh...@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, June 12, 2011 8:13:23 PM
Subject: [RHAT] NEW TOWN DEMANDS ITS DUE
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■ Physician Chandramohan Poddar, 62, would have fled New Town, Rajarhat, long ago had his life’s savings not been “trapped” in the four walls of his apartment.
■ Engineer Imtiaz Ahmed, 28, says the only good thing about his New Town apartment is that it is close to his workplace in Sector V.
■ Schoolteacher Sandhya Murmu, 30, feels more unsafe walking the last 50 metres to her home than she does travelling 50km to and from her school in Barrackpore every day.
Chandramohan Poddar, Imtiaz Ahmed and Sandhya Murmu are the faces of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s broken New Town dreams that Mamata Banerjee must now mend.
“Given the chance to stay anywhere else within city limits, I see no reason why anyone would want to come to New Town. Only three of the 18 flats on my floor are occupied. I hope and pray that the new government will spare a thought for us,” Poddar, a resident of Hiland Woods, told Metro.
More than 15 years after New Town came up on the drawing board, the so-called showpiece township renamed Jyoti Basu Nagar has been a litany of woes for everyone with a stake in it. Those who have moved in against advice have quickly realised how inhospitable the township is. Those who haven’t fear that the township won’t be habitable anytime soon.
Hidco had projected that 1.5 million people would stay in New Town by 2015. The present population is not more than 15,000 disgruntled, disenchanted apartment owners.
As night falls and the lights come on elsewhere, you see New Town for what it is beneath the veneer of promises: a ghost township. Highrise residential complexes with eye-catching colour schemes and huge gates stand tall next to one another, but there is little sign of life within them. The few apartments where the lights are on house people like Poddar, unhappy about how things are but unable to leave it all behind and live someplace else.
Electricity hasn’t reached several sites and waste disposal is non-existent. Hidco recently started supplying water to Action Area I and parts Action Area II but it is inadequate and unsuitable for consumption, say residents.
There are no separate hospitals, markets, bus stops and police stations for Action Areas II and III (see graphic). There are no post offices either. Metro had reported on April 8 how snail mail returns undelivered because the postman refuses to venture into vast stretches of this township of failed promises.
From Action Area II, the nearest convenience store is Food Bazar at City Centre 2. The next options — Spencer’s at Axis Mall or a Reliance Fresh outlet on the expressway near the Action Area I bus stop — are 10km away.
Residents who don’t own vehicles have to walk long distances to find an auto or a taxi to go anywhere.
Tarak Chandra Saha, a retired central government employee who stays in Greenwood Park in Action Area I, said New Town had suffered enough because of politics over land and poor planning by Hidco.
“We were told the government planned to bring water to New Town from the Hooghly with a pipeline over the Kestopur canal. When will it be implemented? The new chief minister has yet to announce her plans for New Town. We need Mamata Banerjee to step in quickly,” Saha said.
Apartment owners are not the only one repenting their decision to buy flats in New Town, real estate companies say they have lost crores of rupees because of Hidco’s inefficiency.
“We would have given possession of our apartments to the buyers at least six months ago had basic infrastructure been ready. Our customers are suffering and so are we,” said Sujata Saha, the chief marketing officer of Bengal Shelter Housing Development Ltd, which has built the Akankha housing complex in Action Area II.
Nayan Basu, the chief executive officer of the Hiland Group, said the company was spending around Rs 12 lakh a month on running a diesel generator for its Hiland Woods complex in the same area. “We have been doing this for more than a year but it obviously can’t go on. We can’t wait to see what plans the new government comes up with to solve the infrastructure problems of New Town. We need the administration to look at the township as a priority,” he pleaded.
The majority of apartment owners who haven’t moved in don’t pay maintenance charges, which realtors say is adding to their burden. Some real estate companies have threatened to stop maintaining the housing complexes if their customers don’t pay the monthly charges.
“Of the 232 apartments in our Prathama-Dwitiya cluster, the owners of as many as 125 properties do not pay the maintenance charges because they do not stay here. The accumulated dues for the period October 2010 to March 2011 is Rs 17.4 lakh. How can we maintain a complex without owners paying for it?” said an officer of the maintenance wing of DCL’s Uttara complex in Action Area II.
Uttara was ready for possession three years ago, but the state of infrastructure around the complex is still the same. “You can’t blame people for not wanting to move in here. Hidco is responsible for all this,” said a resident.
For those forced to live in New Town despite the constraints, not a day passes when they think of what they were promised and what they got.
“This is the antithesis of the urban living concept that was sold to us,” said software engineer Imtiaz, who moved into his Sunrise Point apartment a year ago. “Our realtor provides us round-the-clock electricity through a diesel generator, but we can’t use a refrigerator, air-conditioner, washing machine or a microwave. As I see it, this area has no value except proximity to Salt Lake’s Sector V.”
Security, or the lack of it, is a concern as much for the elderly as for women. “Whenever I am late returning from work, I call my husband to come to the main road and escort me home. I have never found uniformed personnel in any of the police kiosks in the area. I dare not walk alone to my home after sunset,” said schoolteacher Sandhya, a resident of Sunrise Point.
Call-centre pool cars shuttling between Sector V and New Town are the most common mode of transportation for the residents. Someone in a hurry stands as much chance of finding a bus run by Hidco as New Town has of winning the emerging township-of-the-year award.
There are no direct buses to Sealdah and Howrah. “My isolation is complete when family relatives say they do not visit me and my family because of transport problems,” Sandhya said.
Sowmik Sengupta, a 30-year-old IT professional staying in Akankha, warned that New Town’s loss would be Bengal’s loss. “The chief minister will need to transform this place into a liveable one if she wants to bring back even a fraction of the talent that has deserted Bengal. Our future lies in IT and this place has the advantage of being close to the hub of this sector. Hidco needs to be made accountable,” he said.
Is Mamata listening?
What problems have you faced living/investing in a flat in New Town?
Tell ttm...@abpmail.com__._,_.___![Yahoo! Groups]()
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Rana Bose
Thank you for this useful information. I think the local residents who are already started living in New Town area should organize to form a small committee consisting of representatives from each complex and use this MLA connection to meet directly with the CM to discuss about all the issues related to New Town development with positive attitude. It is important that she gets involved in New Town matters in addition to looking after the farmers. Without her direct involvement nothing may move the way we expect to move. The tempo of progress and making Kolkata London may not last too long due to many different situations. Therefore, sooner we take advantage of this is better for all residents (current and future) of New Town.Asim
From: Rana Bose <ran...@gmail.com>
To: rh...@yahoogroups.com; akankha_newtown <Akankha...@googlegroups.com>; hila...@googlegroups.com; bengal-dc...@googlegroups.com; bengal-sureka-s...@googlegroups.com; New Town (Rajarhat) Kolkata <NewTown-Raja...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Friday, June 17, 2011 3:12 PM
Subject: [RHAT] KNOW YOUR MLA - S DUTTA
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