The West Bengal government has announced a major development initiative for North Bengal, unveiling plans to create a ‘Himalayan Hill City’ by strengthening connectivity between Siliguri and the hill towns of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong, and Mirik. State Minister Agnimitra Paul affirmed that there would be no developmental disparity between northern and southern parts of the state.
Project Details and Infrastructure Upgrades
Speaking after an administrative meeting at Uttarkanya on Sunday, Paul outlined the project's scope: “The initiative aims to enhance infrastructure, tourism facilities, drinking water supply, and civic services while fostering closer developmental ties between the hills and the plains.” Key components include installing QR codes at every household, developing housing projects and modern public toilets on government land, and constructing modern sanitation facilities at major tourist destinations.
The government has requested details of funds allocated for development during the previous administration and reiterated its commitment to delivering public services more efficiently and closer to citizens’ doorsteps.
Special Task Force and Anti-Crime Measures
The state also announced a special task force to combat human trafficking and child marriage. “Surveillance will be intensified in border areas, while day-care and skill development facilities will be created for children of migrant workers who leave the state in search of employment,” Paul added.
Paul directed police to intensify action against narcotics. District authorities have been instructed to prepare, by June 20, a list of major temples in North Bengal that attract large crowds. The government is considering setting up incense-stick manufacturing units at selected locations.
Attendance and Compliance Initiatives
Biometric attendance for sanitation workers, known as ‘Nirmal Bandhus,’ will become mandatory from the same date. Special inquiry committees will investigate allegations of illegal construction and encroachment in municipalities. The government also ordered strict monitoring and investigation of unauthorized or illegal madrasas.
Senior officials, Minister of State Anandamay Barman, MPs Raju Bista and Jayanta Roy, and legislators from North Bengal attended the meeting. Minister and Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh was absent.
