Kurseong Municipality Launches ₹200 Crore Amrut 2.0 Water Supply and Strengthening Project : Darjeeling MP Raju Bista Expresses Gratitude

KalimNews, Kurseong, November 22, 2025 : In a landmark development for the people of Kurseong, a major water supply project under Mission Amrut 2.0 was inaugurated today, with an investment of ₹200 crore aimed at improving water distribution and infrastructure in the area. 

The project was officially launched at a grand ceremony held at the Monteviot sports ground, with the Chief Executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), Anit Thapa, performing the groundbreaking ceremony.

Addressing the audience, Anit Thapa expressed his deep commitment to the region's development and reaffirmed that this is just the beginning of further improvements in Kurseong. "This is just the start. In the coming year, I will gift Kurseong with a new hospital, a car parking facility, and a public ground," Thapa said, reiterating his promise to bring more infrastructure projects to the region.

The roots of the Amrut project in Kurseong trace back to February 4, 2022, when Anit Thapa initiated efforts to bring the water supply mission to the hills during a meeting in Siliguri. This was followed by discussions with the then-Minister Firhad Hakim in Kolkata in February 2023. The project has now materialised, with its launch today marking a significant milestone for the region.

Thapa highlighted the challenges of bringing the project to the hilly areas, emphasising the long, arduous effort required to secure it. "This project is a gift to the people of Kurseong, and I hope it brings them the life-saving gift of water," Thapa added. He also urged the local residents to refrain from politicising water issues, saying that everyone’s cooperation was essential to making the water supply a success.

Further elaborating on his plans for Kurseong, Thapa assured the residents that the area would soon receive new healthcare facilities, parking spaces, and public grounds, with the new projects to be unveiled in the upcoming New Year.

As the state elections approach, Thapa also expressed concern about the political dynamics, urging caution against the BJP’s attempts to create divisions. "If the BJP offers us Gorkhaland, we will accept it. But where is it? In the hills, the BJP has been deceiving the people with promises that never materialise. Now, they will talk about caste and soil again to divide us," Thapa stated, adding that the state government remains committed to working with the people to provide employment, roads, and water.

In his remarks, Subash Pradhan praised Thapa’s tireless efforts, stating that his vision and continuous perseverance had led to the solution of Kurseong’s long-standing water crisis. "Today, we are on the path to solving the water problem in Kurseong, thanks to Anit Thapa’s unwavering commitment. This is a historic project for our municipality," Pradhan said.

The newly launched project under Mission Amrut 2.0 aims to resolve Kurseong's water supply issues by adopting a modern and sustainable water supply system. Currently, the municipality relies on a gravity-based water supply system sourced from various local streams, including Sipahi Dhura, Aringaley, Chan Jhoda, Murda Khola, Devi Sthan, 8th Mile, Tendu Khola, and Thotey Khola. However, these sources often fail to meet the demand, especially during dry months.

The new plan proposes using the Balasan River as the primary water source, ensuring a more consistent and reliable supply. The Amrut 2.0 project will be implemented across all 20 wards of Kurseong Municipality, benefiting approximately 42,446 people. The project involves the construction of a new water collection system, distribution tanks, and an extensive pipeline network to deliver water directly to households.

Key components of the project include an 18.5 MLD (Million Litres per Day) collector system, 11 distribution tanks, a 94-kilometre gravity-based pipeline, and a state-of-the-art smart management system. The estimated cost of the project is ₹100.99 crore, with contributions from the central government, state government, and the municipality.

The project will ensure the installation of water meters in every household, providing a regular water supply through a piped network. The entire project is expected to be completed within 30 months by the year 2026–27. Once completed, the residents of Kurseong will have access to safe drinking water 24 hours a day, with an improved water purification and distribution system. The project will also promote water reuse, further enhancing its sustainability.

Raju Bista Expresses Gratitude for AMRUT 2.0 Support for Darjeeling Hills

Meanwhile, Raju Bista, Member of Parliament for Darjeeling, has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hon'ble Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Shri Manoharlal Khattar, for their support in allocating ₹210.11 crore through the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT 2.0). This funding will help improve the drinking water supply for 6,854 houses in Kurseong Municipality and restore water supply ponds in the Victoria region.

This funding is part of a larger initiative to cover all houses in the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency, for which the central government has allocated ₹3,658 crore under the AMRUT plan. The financial allocations include:

• ₹238 crore for Darjeeling Municipality (₹204.84 crore already allocated under AMRUT 1.0)

• ₹196.97 crore for Kalimpong Municipality

• ₹180.16 crore for Mirik Municipality

• ₹890.3 crore for Siliguri Municipal Corporation

These projects are designed to provide a reliable and sustainable water supply system for the people of Kurseong and the rest of the Darjeeling hills. Bista thanked the central government for its support in addressing chronic water supply issues in the region and in conserving vital reservoirs.

"I express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Minister Khattar for their deep commitment to the development of Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars. With this generous assistance, we will be able to effectively address the long-standing challenges related to drinking water supply and ensure a future-proof system for the people," Bista said.

These initiatives reflect a strong commitment from both state and central governments to ensure that the people of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and surrounding areas receive reliable access to clean drinking water, marking a significant step forward in the region's development.