Paharia Bhavan handed over

TT, 23 June 2019, Siliguri: Pahariya Bhavan, a building for hill residents who visit Siliguri, was formally handed over to the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) on Saturday. 

The building was constructed by the north Bengal development department and chief minister Mamata Banerjee had inaugurated in February 2019. 

"This new facility is made for the common people of hills, who visit Siliguri for many purposes. Our officials are requested to provide them accommodation on priority basis. We have to maintain it with a strong management," Anit Thapa, the chairman of the GTA, said after taking charge of the building. 

A source in GTA said the G-3 building was constructed at Himachal Vihar, located on the outskirts of the city near Matigara. It has 13 double bed rooms, two five bed rooms, a kitchen and dining space. Out of these rooms, eight are airconditioned. The rest will be equipped with similar facilities. 

Sources said, there are number of people from hills coming down to Siliguri. 

"The maintenance and management of building will be done by tourism department of the hill administrative body. A student will have to pay Rs 800 as room charge. A general public will have to pay Rs 2,000 for the accommodation. The boarder will have to pay extra for food. 

The main objective is to provide accommodation to the hill students, who often coming down to Siliguri because of interview for job or admission in schools or colleges. When they failed to return to the hills same day and forced to stay in hotels or lodges by paying large amount as room rent. 

This new facility will help them," the sources in GTA, said. 

Rohit Sharma, the MLA of Kurseong, who was also present at the event, welcomed the initiative. 

"Once this new accommodation facility for the hill residents will start functioning, it will be great help for the common people of the hills. But it has to be maintained properly.".