Kolkata, Feb 2 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, recently claimed that land mafias associated with the ruling Trinamool Congress have unlawfully filled a significant pond in the Bhangar region of South 24 Parganas district.

In a video shared on his official X account, Adhikari highlighted this as yet another instance of illegal filling within the protected East Kolkata Wetlands.

He pointed out that this activity facilitated the emergence of unauthorized warehouses, mirroring the situation in the Anandapur area of Kolkata's southern outskirts, where a catastrophic fire recently claimed 27 lives.

"Are we witnessing another Anandapur scenario unfolding, CP @KolkataPolice? The ongoing situation in Bhangar is nothing less than a criminal conspiracy against both the populace and the environment, with the TMC Government acting as a primary enabler," Adhikari stated.

"Under the cover of darkness, TMC-affiliated land mafias are audaciously filling a vast public pond at the entrance of Bijoyganj Bazar in Bhangar. This isn't just any water body; it is situated on land officially designated for the Hospital and Health Department. Yet, dump trucks and JCB machinery operate without restraint, obliterating this crucial water resource while the administration turns a blind eye," remarked Adhikari, the BJP MLA from Nandigram, in a post on X.

Adhikari emphasized that this incident is not an isolated case but part of an ongoing trend that has allowed illegal warehouses to proliferate in the wetlands.

"This isn't an isolated case. It reflects a dangerous pattern that led to the man-made disaster in Anandapur just days ago," he added.

The BJP Nandigram MLA further stated, "In Anandapur, the illegal filling of protected East Kolkata Wetlands enabled unauthorized warehouses to be established without any oversight or permissions. The outcome? A tragic fire that entrapped and killed numerous vulnerable workers, transforming sleeping quarters into lethal traps. The TMC regime remained silent while mafias converted wetlands into illegal storage facilities, and now they're repeating this offense in Bhangar."

He criticized the Trinamool Congress-led state government for its failure to manage the situation, which has developed over several years.

"Here too, a foundation is being laid for unauthorized constructions, unregulated activities, and a complete lack of oversight from government agencies. When the inevitable disaster strikes—be it a collapse, fire, dangerous flooding, or worse—who will be accountable for the loss of innocent lives? Mamata Banerjee? Her Ministers? Her local henchmen masquerading as 'party workers'?" LoP Adhikari questioned.

He concluded with, "This isn't governance; it's Mafia Raj. This is a systematic dismantling of water bodies, the environment, and public safety for personal gain and political favoritism. The TMC already bears blood on its hands from Anandapur; there shouldn't be more casualties from Bhangar."

No official response has been received from the Trinamool Congress regarding Adhikari's allegations.