This is the first time that any Chief Minister has thought about a green Kolkata, a beautiful Kolkata. As a result of the special interest shown by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, beautification of parks and gardens have got equal importance as any other work, like drainage, garbage clearance, roads and street lighting.
The construction and maintenance of squares, roadside gardens and median strips, and the riverfront beautification of Ganga – these comprise the biggest contributions of KMC to the city.
In 2010, Mamata Banerjee conceived the idea of Ganga Riverfront beautification. As a result, the 5 km stretch along the banks of river Ganga has been beautified, and barges, cranes and payloaders are now used during immersions of idols. For trimming trees, each Borough has been allotted a hydraulic ladder.
CCTV cameras have been installed at Elliot Park on a pilot basis for the security of the park visitors as well as for the proper maintenance of the park. 3000 CCTV cameras are going to be set up in the 144 wards across Kolkata.
Another major initiative has been the use of solar energy to light up street lamps in Deshapriya Park. This is a first in Kolkata which would reduce the usage of electricity and would also lead to reduction in carbon emission in the atmosphere.
The Goalz Project, a joint venture amongst the British Council, Kolkata Police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation, is running football training centres in Kolkata. A swimming pool of international standards and a sports training centre has been constructed at Deshbandhu Park. The work of the Department of Parks and Squares, Kolkata Municipal Corporation has made the citizens proud of their city.