GTA to develop areas with Central funds

EOI, PTI, Darjeeling, 15 January: The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) plans to develop areas under it within two years with a corpus of Rs 600 crore.

"We will develop areas under the GTA in two years with the development corpus of Rs 600 crore which we get from the Central government and we will ask the Centre for Rs 1,000 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, last week.

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, having totalled Rs 600 crore in three years, for development of the hills.

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

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

According to 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 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