Tour groups to urge CM to restore roads, bridges- Darj MP Raju Bista writes to PM, seeks financial aid for rain-hit Hills

SNS, 23 October 21, Siliguri: At a time when Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention and financial assistance for both Kalimpong and Darjeeling districts, which the recent rainfall and landslides left battered, stakeholders associated with the tourism industry here plan to table a series of proposals before Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as she embarks on her North Bengal tour on 24 October. They would be seeking restoration and reconstruction of roads and bridges in the Hills ahead of Christmas, keeping in mind the tourist flow in the Hills.

On the other hand, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has also sent an email to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, seeking his urgent intervention for the restoration of National Highways, especially NH 10 that connects Sikkim with the rest of the world. The recent rains have left the highway damaged in at least 12 different points.

"If Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee gives us time, we must put forward our proposals for infrastructure development in the interest of the tourism industry after the Hill region was hit hard by the recent natural calamity," Samrat Sanyal, the general secretary of the HHTDN said, adding, "Proper geological survey of NH-10 is the need of the hour."

On the other hand, general secretary of EHTTOA, Sandipan Ghosh said: "The recent incessant rains for a day or two has caused major havoc and have brought to fore the fragile infrastructure of our region. Just after tourism was getting back to some semblance of normalcy we have been jolted with road blocks and landslides. We appeal to our Honourable Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to kindly look into this aspect as the entire industry is looking up to her to get us back to some sort of reasonable position from where we all can look forward with some renewed hope."

"We are grateful and appreciate the efforts of our Honoarable MP Darjeeling Raju Bista for writing to our Honorable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, requesting for funds for the restoration job. We strongly believe if the Centre and the State can work jointly on important issues it will benefit every section of the population," Mr Sanyal said.

It is learnt that Mr Sanyal has already drafted their proposals to be tabled before Miss Banerjee.

Besides the geological survey on NH-10, Mr Sanyal has pointed out to betterment of pocket roads as Rural tourism has become one of the major parts of socio-economic development of the region. "There is a need to develop teams with local people around landslide prone regions for immediate relief of stranded people and tourists by improving phone and internet connectivity in the Hills for better communication. The government should train local youths and employ them with disaster management skills in the 

More afforestation of the Hills with trees and flora that can protect soil erosion," Mr Sanyal said.

"Our Himalayas is a growing Himalayas. Proper equilibrium to be worked out in development work and preservation of nature. Discussions on regular basis is imperative with power project corporation and railway authorities for evaluation of NH 10. To avoid further untoward incidents, all small and major bridges of hills need a proper survey. A task force should be constituted for keeping this coordination method in case of any fun her natural disaster," Mr Sanyal added.

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, who is scheduled to visit landslide-hit Darjeeling and Kalimpong region shortly, in his letter to Mr Modi has requested financial support for Victims of landslides in the two districts.

According to Mr Bista, untimely rains and landslides left hundreds of houses and sources of their livelihood destroyed. He urged rebuilding of the destroyed houses under the Prime Minister Awas Yojona and financial compensation for those who have lost their lives and who were injured.

On the other hand, the MP has emailed Mr Gadkari, seeking urgent intervention for the restoration of highways and vulnerable bridges in the Darjeeling LokSabha Constituency.

Mr Bista has informed Mr Gadkari that NH-10 had "completely collapsed" at 12 different points and was in need of immediate restoration. He mentioned that NH- 10 also serves for Indian troops who are posted along the Indo-China border in Sikkim region and even in Darjeeling.

He also pointed out to the vulnerable situation of the existing Coronation bridge over the Teesta river at Sevoke near Siliguri due to the sudden rise in the water level.

The MP also informed Mr Gadkari of the precarious condition of the Balasan Bridge that connects Siliguri city in Darjeeling district, and urged him to take steps to build the bridge which is under the proposed Balason-Sevoke elevated highway project route.

Sources said NIrGadlaui has instructed officials concerned to take necessary action.