Civic Body’s Diwali Gift: Seating Facilities for Citizens Along Nehru Road

EOI, Darjeeling, Oct 30, 2024 : On the eve of the Diwali festival, the Darjeeling municipality has unveiled a thoughtful gift for citizens and tourists: new seating facilities along Nehru Road. The initiative was inaugurated on Wednesday by the Darjeeling civic body chairman, Dipen Thakuri.

"The benches are primarily meant for senior citizens and tourists. Especially during the winter, people seek sunlight and a place to sit. Now, they can bask in the sun and relax on these benches. This is a gift to the people from the municipality," said Thakuri.

Wooden and concrete benches have been installed along Nehru Road, which is often bustling with vendors. In addition to Chowrasta, considered the heart of Darjeeling town, people will now have the opportunity to sit and relax along the stretch from Keventers upwards. "This is part of our pre-planned beautification project. Similar facilities will be installed in other areas of the town," Thakuri added.

The civic body chairman emphasized that hawkers and vendors would not be permitted to occupy Nehru Road. He appealed to citizens to take care of the benches, stating, "It is our asset. We are aware of vandalism; however, I request and appeal to the citizens to ensure the benches are not damaged or stolen. This facility is for the convenience of the people."

Hawkers have already been evicted from Nehru Road and Chowrasta. A project is underway at Chowrasta to construct a modern facility to accommodate hawkers, complete with seating and exercise areas.

"We will beautify other places as well. The area near the Ghoom stand will be converted into a mini park with seating facilities for citizens. We don’t want areas to be encroached upon, causing inconvenience to people," Thakuri stated.

Many citizens walking along Nehru Road expressed their delight at the new seating options. "These benches were needed. Now we can relax and catch our breath. Ours is a hilly terrain, and many elderly people have difficulty walking. Winter is already setting in, and now we can sit and enjoy the sunlight," said Anupama Gurung, an elderly resident of the town.