'GTA issues will be solved'- Forest Minister

Public development work should not be stopped, and we have our full support to it.

SNS, DARJEELING, 25 SEPTEMBER 2020 : State Forest Minister Rajib Banerjee today said that different developmental issues related to the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) would be resolved, and said that the state government has been lending its full support to them.

Speaking after a meeting with officials of the GTA here today, Mr. Banerjee said, "A meeting was held today to discuss forest related issues in the GTA. A detailed discussion was held about things like roads and bridges that have to be built, among other things, while some of the issues have been resolved. We have asked them to send the papers for them all, which will be processed quickly. Public development work should not be stopped, and we have our full support to it."

"There are some issues pertaining to the central government and we have asked them to initiate proposals for them. We will also takeup the matter with them," he said.

Asked about the issue of parja-patta (land rights documents) for forest dwellers, Mr Banerjee said that discussions were going on, and that processes like paperwork needed to be made, along with surveys.

He also said that the Act also has to be seen, along with talks with the district administration.

On the tourism from, the minister said that national parks and eco-tourism, along with others, had already reopened from 23 September and that all zoos in the state were being reopened on 2 October.

"In the meeting today, the issue of parking problem in the zoo area here was also discussed. We will see and take a decision on what needs to be done on that," he said, adding that it has been decided that red pandas would also be released from Sandkhpu.

On the other hand, GTA chairman Anit Thapa said that they received positive response from the forest minister, while he highlighted the point that working together with the state government would ensure the hills move forward.