GTA plans parking lot at Chowk Bazar in Darjeeling, traders oppose move

EOI, DARJEELING, JANUARY 20, 2025 : The proposal of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) to build a parking lot at Chowk Bazar inside Darjeeling town has been opposed by the Path Paseli Sangh (PPS), the largest association of traders.

On Monday, officials of the GTA, engineers, surveyors, and officials of the land reform department and the Darjeeling Municipality started surveying the area at Chowk Bazar where the proposed parking lot is expected to come up.

GTA Sabha deputy chairman Rajesh Chowhan said the council body has proposed a four-storey building at Chowk Bazar. The building will include a parking lot on two floors, with one floor each to be allotted to the Path Paseli Sangh and self-help groups (SHGs).

"It is the initiative of the GTA chairman Anit Thapa. Darjeeling town has no parking space, which causes traffic congestion and harassment to the public. In the proposed four-storey building, there will be parking on two floors, one floor for traders, and another for SHGs and other associations," said Chowhan.

Darjeeling town does not have a designated parking space. Currently, there are only two parking lots—one near Darjeeling Government College on Lebong Cart Road and another at the DRC Godown. However, both parking lots are located outside the main town area.

Compounding matters, vehicles from remote areas of Darjeeling ferry passengers and goods into the town, alongside tourist and private vehicles, which have grown significantly over the years. This has resulted in severe traffic congestion.

Adding to the issue, vehicles under various syndicates are parked on the roadside throughout the day due to the lack of proper parking facilities, further clogging traffic and hindering public movement.

"We have spoken to the traders' association, and they have agreed to our proposal. Surveyors have started the process of surveying the Chowk Bazar area. We will submit the proposal to the West Bengal government, who will fund the project. Once completed, we feel the perennial problem of traffic jams will be solved to a great extent," said Chowhan.

When asked about the potential misuse of the parking lot by syndicates, Chowhan assured that policies and rules would be implemented to ensure public access. He added, "Taxi syndicates will be given space in the parking lot but will have to follow the norms that will be laid out."

Later in the day, the Path Paseli Sangh held a news conference opposing the construction of the four-storey structure at Chowk Bazar.

"We do not agree to the proposal of the GTA to construct a four-storey building at Chowk Bazar. We are skeptical about the feasibility, as there are various loopholes. Besides, Chowk Bazar is a heritage area and must be preserved," said PPS president Biren Bomzan.

Bomzan mentioned that they had an open discussion with the GTA chairman recently, during which the latter stated that the project depended on the willingness of stakeholders.

The PPS president warned that they would take legal recourse if the construction was imposed. "If the GTA goes ahead with their proposal, then we will knock on the doors of the court. It must be remembered that we are bound by the Constitution and law," said Bomzan.

The PPS has over 450 members, excluding the Sweet Makers Association and the Khudra Bikreta Sangh, which also operate at Chowk Bazar.

"Chowk Bazar is a heritage area. It includes Sumeroo Manch, where speeches are delivered by political parties and the general public. Gundri Bazar is also located here. There are very old photographs that show Chowk Bazar then and now. Even Subash Ghising, during his tenure, had stated that no structures above fourteen feet should be constructed at Chowk Bazar," said Bomzan.