Centre to fund gta projects

SNS, Darjeeling, 9 January 2015: The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) plans to develop areas under it with the budget of Rs 600 crore within two years and hopes to get Rs 1000 crore more in the coming years from the central government for the same. “We will develop areas under the GTA in two years with the development fund of Rs 600 crores which we get from the central government, and we will ask the central government for Rs 1000 crore more for the same purpose,” GTA and Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) chief, Bimal Gurung, told reporters at the Ganga Maya Park (Rock Garden), 12 km away from Darjeeling town.

Mr Gurung was there to lay the foundation stone for the renovation of the park. According to the GTA Accord, the GTA receives Rs 200 crore every year from the central government, resulting in Rs 600 crore in three years, for development of the Hills.

“We have already met Finance Minister Mr Arun Jaitley and Home Minister Mr Raj Nath Singh regarding the increase in the amount of funds and we have received a good response from them,” Mr Gurung said.

The GTA chief also laid the foundation stone for the renovation of the Sidrabong hydel project.

According to Mr Gurung, the GTA has earmarked Rs 12-13 crore for the renovation of these two places.

“Roads will be constructed from Orange Valley to Sidrabong. We have also talked with the central and the state governments about a national heritage tag for the Sidrabong Hydel Project. Once the roads to Sidrabong are renovated, we will invite the union power minister to visit here,” said Mr Gurung.

Sidrabong Hydel Project is the oldest power station in India.

GTA member Binoy Tamang said development will take place in these two areas after a long gap. “Peace and unity in the Hills are important for the development of the area,” he said, adding that six resorts will be constructed in these areas along with shops.