Siliguri, July 10 (Siliguri Chronicle) – The Trinamool-led Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC), in coordination with the Siliguri Metropolitan Police, will soon draft a standard operating procedure (SOP) to carry out surveys and keep records of tenants and paying guests within the city limits.
The decision was taken during a meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Mayor Gautam Deb at the SMC headquarters, where senior police officials were also present.
Highlighting Siliguri’s strategic vulnerability—bordered by multiple states and neighboring countries—Mayor Gautam Deb emphasized the urgent need for systematic documentation of tenants and paying guests.
“Many house-owners are not keeping proper records of tenants or paying guests, a serious concern given the city’s sensitive location. We have asked the police to prepare an SOP, which we will then distribute to all 47 councillors through our five borough offices. We will also raise public awareness through announcements via public address systems,” said mayor Deb.
An SMC official said the move follows a noticeable rise in crime and growing concerns over the unchecked influx of outsiders into the city.
The upcoming SOP will outline procedures for identifying, verifying, and regularly monitoring tenants to boost security measures.
The civic body also plans to revive its community policing initiative, Sampark, aimed at strengthening police-public relations through regular interactive sessions.
“We launched Sampark two years ago, and it proved effective. Now, we will resume weekly interaction programmes in all borough offices, where residents can directly share their concerns with police officials,” Deb said.
E-rickshaw norms
The Siliguri Municipal Corporation also plans to regulate the rapidly growing e-rickshaw sector in coordination with the traffic wing of the Siliguri Police Commissionerate.
A senior SMC official said steps will be taken to identify authorised e-rickshaws, designate proper routes, and curb random or illegal parking.
“E-rickshaw drivers will not be allowed to carry passengers on the right side of the driver’s seat. Route-based regulation and stricter traffic discipline are being planned to reduce congestion and improve road safety,” the source added.
