The Statesman 26.04.2013
KMC to survey slums, collect data
The civic body does not have any authentic data on the total slum areas, number of slum dwellers and their living conditions.
KMC
will also find out the number of slums which stock inflammable goods.
The survey will help the civic body determine the ownership of the
slums. There are over 3,000 slums in 141 wards.
While preparing
the report, the civic body will also check whether fire tenders can
enter the slum areas in case of an emergency. The civic body will also
check the wiring in the slums. The survey also aims to fins out if the
slums have a water source to avoid any major disaster.
Recently,
Mr Swapan Samaddar, member, mayor-in-council (slum), held a meeting with
Municipal Commissioner Khalil Ahmed. Director General of water supply,
KMC and senior officials of the state Fire and Emergency Services
Department and Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) were present.
The
wiring in several slum areas are in bad condition and can cause a major
disaster, said Mr Samaddar. KMC will urge CESC and slum owners to
repair the wiring after the survey.
The civic body will prepare
the report in collaboration with CESC and the Fire Department. The civic
body has also sought help from all councillors. It will form a team of
unemployed youths comprising 10 members from each slum. The team will be
trained on ways to extinguish a blaze and things is to be done during
the initial stage of the fire.
KMC with the help of the state Fire Department will impart the training.
The
survey will start on 1 May and will be completed within a month. The
civic body will hold another meeting on 29 April where all executive
engineers are to be present, said Mr Samaddar.
