CHAIRMAN'S DESK

Just as they say ,” One great building does not make a great city .” You need to build the city to make it great. The tough task of building a city becomes tougher when you try to add futuristic amenities to a place that traces its roots back to a time 500 years ago. Howrah is such a gem in the ark of History. Etymologically originating its name from the swampy nature of Haor, Howrah is the oldest city in West Bengal The twin City to Kolkata, emerged at the western bank of the arterial river of the Bhagirathi and on the GT Road, was once recognised as the ‘Sheffield of the East,’ ‘Glasgow of India’. Due to its historically urban and industrialised settlement on a very narrow strip of existence and population over-load, Howrah was ever a challenge to the planners for attaining the glory of a model city. And that caused the Government later on to frame the statute of the Howrah Improvement Act in 1956 and the autonomous body of Howrah Improvement Trust with a view to creating adequate infrastructure for catering to the needs of its citizens and to add up necessary grandeur to the heritage city of Howrah. On felt needs, the jurisdiction of Howrah Improvement Trust got extended the whole of the District of Howrah. Howrah Improvement Trust has long been working on chapters of development activities starting from infrastructure development to various social commitments like roads, bridges, sewer system, buildings, playground, auditorium, educational institutions, market complex, mortuary, and the likes. In the seventies it proved its worth in creating road and fly over access networks to Vidyasagar Setu and rehabilitation settlements resulting out of meaningful shifting of habitations affected due to that second Hooghly Bridge. The Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of West Bengal is keen to ensure desired development of both the city and the District, as well. The present Board of HIT has been striving to translate the vision, mission and goal of the State in complete sync with the related authorities in the Government of West Bengal, UD&MA Department, District Administration of Howrah and the Urban and Rural Local Bodies. It is an honour to be a part of the development process of Howrah Improvement Trust as Chairman in the Team of the respected members and well-knit manpower which aims at the growth of the District. I would appreciate all the support, co-operation and suggestions from all the corners for the betterment of our beloved City, loving District and wellbeing of all the people. Lets Build Together ! Biswa Majumdar