Calcutta, Feb. 25 :    Calcutta, Feb. 25:  The civic authorities have drawn up plans to remove roadside temples for free flow of pedestrian and traffic movement. Mayor Subrata Mukherjee said on Monday that there are 400-odd unauthorised temples in and around the city. The largest concentration is in the Hazra, Gariahat, Bhowanipore and Kalighat areas, under Borough VIII. He said the Corporation has already deployed officials for counting roadside temples. 'To me, encroachment has a single definition. If someone builds a temple or any structure on the pavement in violation of civic rules, my job is to reclaim the pavement for pedestrian use,' he said. 'I am awaiting a report from officials, engaged in identifying temples and other unauthorised constructions on pavements. We will act after getting it.' According to Swapan Mahapatra, assistant director, conservancy department, there are at least 50 roadside temples in the central business district alone, under the Borough VI. The first temple to be pulled down early this month was on the pavement of R.N. Mukherjee Road, in front of Birla Building. Officials said the operation was carried out in the presence of member, mayor-in-council (conservancy), Mala Roy, chief engineer (conservancy) Arun Sarkar and others. A big banyan tree was felled during the drive. The three metal bells from the temple are now in the custody of chief engineer Sarkar. 'We were left with no option but to demolish the temple, as it was impeding pedestrian traffic in the busy B.B.D. Bag area,' said Roy. Chief engineer Sarkar said he had information about roadside temples from district conservancy officers in all 15 borough areas of the Corporation. 'These temples have come up overnight in violation of civic rules. From small thatched structures, they grow into a concrete temples, decorated with tiles, marble slabs and collapsible gates,' said conservancy assistant director Mahapatra.