In Salt Lake there are quite a few plots of land sporting signboards of the state UD dept. Maybe these are plots that were not leased out or taken back from those who did not construct houses etc within the stipulated time.

Many of these plots host plant/flower nurseries and even construction dumping sites, such as sand, iron rods, pipes etc. I wonder whether the UD dept or local municipal corporation has any such scheme allowing these arrangements. I am reliably told that all these are organised with the support of local councillors and MLAs.

This has been true irrespective of political regime. I doubt it will change much.

All Indian cities experience this. I am citing the example of Kolkata. All political regimes till date have encouraged hawkers etc and later engaged in violent evictions. Cal HC has overtime become less indulgent. Recently it correctly concluded that just because investments were made into unauthorised or illegal construction does not trigger a rt to regularisation or compensation.

Almost entire pavements and lanes are taken over by hawkers. Cosmetic raids only lead to reset of corrupt calculi. Encroachments by real estate moguls involving high and mighty don't get touched at all or if really unlucky get reprieve through regularisation unless dilatory court processes clock out "action" altogether.

Irrespective of political regime, why does nobody follow the money and go after those who organised these illegal rackets? Because that would show that all political parties are involved in the loot? Why isn't compensation et al extracted from those who "sold out". After all a long chain of councillors, municipal officials, police, bureaucrats and ministers are involved for this long festering problem.

Will the new state govt really do something or just photogenic stuff?