Mamata Banerjee stalls move to demolish illegal hotels on sea beach

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday stalled the move of the Purba Medinipur district authorities to demolish 140 hotels built illegally on the sea beach of Mandarmani, a well-placed source said. The CM, who was unhappy since the state secretariat was "not informed" of the order beforehand, said no bulldozers would be allowed, according to the source. Banerjee, the bureaucrat said, gave strong instruction that "bulldozers will not be allowed anywhere in the state". The directive of the district authorities was issued following a National Green Tribunal order regarding the violation of the Coastal Regulation Zone by these hotels.
The Purba Medinipore district administration recently issued a demolition notice to 140 hotels in Mandarmani, a popular seaside destination.The notice was issued by the district administration without consulting or informing the state secretariat. In fact, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant was also not informed, an official told PTI."Regarding Coastal Regulation Zone violation by hotels/resorts and homestays in Mandarmani, Purba Medinipur, all stakeholders are hereby directed to demolish and clean your illegal construction by November 11, otherwise legal action will be taken,” the notice said.The order, however, is yet to be executed.