Anit Thapa Visits Flood and Landslide-Affected Areas, Vows Swift Action for Recovery

KalimNews, October 8, 2025 : Anit Thapa, the Chief Executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), made an on-the-ground visit to several flood and landslide-affected villages in Darjeeling to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. Thapa, traveling in a JCB vehicle around 9 PM last night, addressed local concerns, stating, “It is 9 PM now, and I’ve heard many complaints that I haven't visited. But what can I do? The landslides have blocked the roads, and I’m here to clear them. I promise to visit every area and listen to your grievances.” Thapa assured the affected locals that he would be there to help, “We will rise together again,” he added with optimism.

Thapa’s visit included an inspection of Namso Deurali in the Tharbu Duptin area, where he conducted a detailed review of the disaster’s impact. Accompanied by local councillor Amar Lama and MLA Neeraj Zimba, Thapa saw firsthand the devastating consequences of the floods. Speaking to the media, he emphasized the importance of supporting affected communities, particularly farmers who had seen their crops wiped out. "What you see here is not a river. This used to be a cardamom farm and an orange orchard. All the agricultural land has now turned into a waterlogged mess," Thapa said. 

He reiterated the need for compensation for farmers whose land and livelihood had been destroyed by the floods. "A farmer mentioned that it takes 15 years for an orange tree to bear fruit. These people have not only lost their physical property but their economic source of income as well," Thapa said.

Thapa also visited Siyok Mirik, where landslides have rendered roads impassable and caused widespread damage. The region has been hit especially hard by the heavy rains that began on October 4. While the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department of GTA has begun working on new water supply systems in Ward Number 1 of Mirik Municipality, there is still a long way to go in restoring essential infrastructure. A temporary water supply system has been set up to help locals while repairs to damaged pipelines continue.

One of the key stops during Thapa’s visit was Dudhey, where the residents expressed dissatisfaction with the administrative response. According to locals, it was only after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's visit that other officials finally started coming to the area. In response, Thapa commented, "People criticize those who just visit for a short time, but they don't say anything about those of us who are working on the ground every day."

On his visit to Dudhey Rai Village, Thapa met with affected families and listened to their concerns. He also held a media briefing where he shared key points with the public. "Why the delay in Dudhey?" asked a local journalist. Thapa explained that his priority was to visit the most affected areas first. "Mirik has seen the most damage, and I visited there first. There has also been significant destruction in Rangbang and Sukiapokhari, but I have not yet been able to reach those places," he clarified.

Thapa also highlighted the trust the people have in him, noting, "People seek me out because they believe I will do something. They shout at me, and at times, they get angry, but they still look for me because they know I will act."

Another key point that Thapa raised was the challenge of redirecting rivers and streams. "As long as the direction of the river flow cannot be changed, we cannot do much along its banks. But we have already started work in Dudhey Balasan," he said, reaffirming that flood management and rehabilitation efforts would continue on an urgent basis.

On the issue of employment for disaster victims, Thapa remarked that the government had made an effort to support affected families. "We often complain about the lack of jobs, but many victims do not have the qualifications to sit for exams. What about them? They also deserve work. We must be grateful for the assistance we are getting," Thapa said. He went on to highlight the Chief Minister’s prompt actions in providing compensation to victims, stating that five lakh rupees were given to families who had lost loved ones, along with job offers to one member from each affected family. "The Chief Minister took action within two days of the disaster, providing checks and employment to the victims. We must appreciate this," Thapa stressed.

He also pointed out that infrastructure restoration is a priority, including the repair of the Dudhey Bridge, which is expected to be completed within 15 days. "Once the Chief Minister directed us, work began on a war footing. This is not just about the government workers’ jobs, it’s about rebuilding the community," he explained.

Thapa also addressed the need for embankments along riverbanks, which would require substantial financial investment. "Building embankments costs a lot, and that’s why I organized the Chief Minister’s event here – to highlight the condition of the rivers. The funding for this will come from the government, and if we present our issues clearly, help will surely come," he said.

Finally, Rohini Road repairs have already begun, aimed at restoring connectivity between Darjeeling and Siliguri. Thapa confirmed that restoration work had started in several parts of GTA, with landslides and bad weather causing significant damage to roads and infrastructure. However, the ongoing repairs are expected to restore the region’s mobility in the near future.

Anit Thapa's visit has been critical in addressing both the immediate needs of the affected population and the long-term infrastructure restoration efforts. His proactive stance and commitment to working closely with local authorities and communities are likely to bring relief to the devastated areas of Darjeeling in the days to come.