Bhoomi Pujan for Three New Houses Marks Major Step in Teesta Flood: Rehabilitation Effort

 Foundation-laying completes MP Raju Bista’s pledge of 10 homes for families displaced by the 2023 Teesta floods

KalimNews, November 18, 2025, Kalimpong : The ongoing rehabilitation initiative for families displaced by the devastating 2023 Teesta floods moved significantly forward today as three additional houses entered the construction phase following a Bhoomi Pujan ceremony at Bhalukhola and Bangay 27th Mile. The programme is part of Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista’s commitment to build ten new homes for affected families, ensuring their return to secure and dignified living conditions.

Earlier, on 22 September 2025, foundation stones had already been laid for seven houses in Tarkhola, Rangpo, and Teesta. Construction on these sites has been underway since then, signalling steady progress toward the project’s full completion.

Today’s foundation-laying ceremony was attended by several organisational leaders, including BJP Darjeeling District President Sanjiv Lama, District General Secretary Songden Lepcha, Organisational General Secretary Raju Rai, Mandal President Kalindi Chettri, District Member Prithivi Sharma, Mandal President Libunad Tamang, and other party representatives. Their presence reaffirmed collective support for accelerating rehabilitation for flood-affected families.

Speaking after the ceremony, District President Sanjiv Lama expressed concern over the prolonged hardships faced by victims who continue to live in temporary shelters nearly two years after the disaster. He stated that delays in relief and rehabilitation efforts had caused significant distress to displaced families, noting that timely action from relevant authorities could have reduced the suffering of those still residing in relief camps.

Lama also acknowledged MP Raju Bista’s continued efforts, stating that fulfilling the ten-house commitment has brought renewed hope to families awaiting permanent resettlement. He added that additional support from various quarters could further expand the rehabilitation efforts and help construct homes for the remaining displaced residents.

MP Raju Bista, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the affected communities, expressed gratitude to BJP District President Sanjeev Tamang, General Secretary Songden Lepcha, and all district and mandal executives for their dedication to advancing the mission. He emphasised the shared resolve to rebuild lives and restore stability for families who lost everything in the 2023 floods.

With today’s ceremony marking the commencement of the final three houses under this phase of rehabilitation, the project has taken a decisive step toward completion. While challenges remain and many families are still awaiting permanent housing, the ongoing construction has infused the affected communities with renewed optimism, offering a tangible path toward recovery and a more secure future.