Heritage Commission Takes Step to Preserve Dalim, Damsang Forts

YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, FEBRUARY 24, 2025 :  The Heritage Commission has taken a significant initiative to preserve and restore Dalim Fort, one of the historic landmarks of the Darjeeling hills. This project is expected to contribute not only to the protection of Dalim Fort but also to the development of the entire hill region as a prominent historical tourism destination.

Dalim Fort is one of the ancient ruins built by the last Lepcha king, Puno Gebu Achyok. To protect its historical significance, the West Bengal Mayel Lyang Lepcha Development Board and the Mayel Lyang Lepcha Tribal Association have been actively working for its conservation for some time.

As part of these efforts, Dalim Fort and Damsang Fort had been included under the Heritage Commission during the tenure of Athing Lyansong Tamsang as Lepcha Development Board Chairman. However, due to several internal reasons, the proper restoration of these forts under the Heritage Commission had not been successfully executed until now.

Since last year, continuous efforts by the Lepcha Development Board and Lepcha Tribal Association officials have finally led to the approval of conservation and restoration work for both Dalim Fort and Damsang Fort by the Heritage Commission. The Heritage Commission has directed the Public Works Department to conduct a preliminary survey, which has already commenced. The on-site inspections and the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) have also begun.

The preservation of Dalim Fort is expected to significantly contribute to the promotion of tourism in the Gorubathan region. Additionally, safeguarding the historical heritage of the hills will help transform the area into a major historical tourism center.

Regarding this initiative, Chairman of the Lepcha Development Board and President of MILTA, Ruden Sada Lepcha, stated: "The preservation of Dalim Fort will highlight the historical significance of the hills and greatly support its establishment as a prominent tourist destination."

The Heritage Commission’s initiative will give a new identity to the history of the Darjeeling hills, driving economic and cultural transformation through tourism development. If the Dalim Fort preservation project succeeds, it is expected to pave the way for the conservation of other historic sites in the hills and further boost tourism promotion in the regions.