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.