What exactly is happening at College Street?

Known for its clusters of roadside bookstalls, College Street – Kolkata’s boi para –is staring at an uncertain future. Reports of an impending eviction drive targeting structures encroaching on pedestrian pathways have triggered anxiety in the area. Sources say hawkers have been given 15 days to clear any part of their shops or stalls that spill onto the footpaths, including stacks of books and display benches.Many vendors say they have not received formal communication, leaving them with little clarity about what lies ahead. The possibility of displacement has created deep concern among booksellers whose livelihoods depend on these sales.‘There is talk of eviction, but no clear timeline’ While several hawkers confirmed hearing about a proposed eviction drive, many were hesitant to speak openly, saying they were yet to receive complete information. "The corporation has informed that the shops covering the footpath will need to be removed. Although we don't know when that is going to start," said Bimal, a hawker. Another vendor said, "We are hearing that our shops will be evicted. Wedon't have any more information about this." For many, the lack of clarity is the biggest concern. "We don't know what our future holds. We have seen what happened to the railway station hawkers and the way they were evicted. We are scared that the same fate awaits us," said Raju Das, who has been selling books on College Street for years. "What are we going to do? There is a great deal of fear among us about what will happen next. My shop is 33 years old, and this is my entire livelihood. I sell books and support a family of five. We don't know what lies ahead for us."— Parimal Saha, hawker ‘This will be a big change for students too’Students and book lovers say the street stalls are an inseparable part of the College Street experience. "Most of the books I've bought have come from these street stalls. We often get them at almost half the MRP, and these shops have been here for ages. I think this will be a big change for students too because we will be affected as well," said Prithila Sarkar, a second-year Microbiology student. Akash, a former student, said “Affordable textbooks and second-hand books have always made College Street accessible to learners from all backgrounds.” Priyanka Ghosh, a final-year student, believes the bookstalls are central to the area's identity and student culture. Even first-time visitors share the sentiment. "I live in Bombay and came to College Street for the first time because everyone said it was a must-visit place. Hearing that these shops may lose their space breaks my heart," said Suravi."We don't know when it's going to happen, but College Street is an emotion, and these hawkers have been here for ages. Whether it's textbooks or other books, we rely heavily on them."— Parnasree Sengupta, first-year studentAuthorities deny any such order“We are receiving queries about this alleged eviction, however our department has not issued any such order, neither do we have any information about which body or individual has been spreading this removal order,” said a representative from the office of Smita Pandey, the Municipal Commissioner of KMC.