Darjeeling Water Crisis Relief in Focus as ₹60 Crore Sinchel Lake Revival Project Progresses Under AMRUT 2.0

KalimNews, June 8, 2026, Darjeeling: The West Bengal Government has initiated a major push to upgrade Darjeeling’s water infrastructure alongside broader development and rehabilitation plans across the hills, with a renewed focus on the Sinchel Lake reservoir system under the AMRUT 2.0 programme.

During her visit to Darjeeling on Monday, West Bengal Municipal Affairs and Women & Child Development Minister Agnimitra Paul reviewed ongoing works at Sinchel Lake, the primary drinking water source for Darjeeling town. Accompanied by Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, local MLAs, and the Chairman of the Darjeeling Municipality, the Minister assessed the progress of the renovation project.

She stated that the reservoir, once upgraded, would significantly increase its water-holding capacity and help address the region’s long-standing drinking water shortage. “We inspected the ongoing renovation work at Sinchel Lake today. Once completed, the reservoir will be able to store a substantially increased volume of water. The work is progressing well and is expected to be completed within the next one to two months. This will be highly beneficial in addressing Darjeeling’s water scarcity issues,” she said.

The Central Government has sanctioned ₹60 crore for the Sinchel Lake Renovation and Development Project, which includes the comprehensive restoration of both the North and South Sinchel Lakes as well as the construction of a new reservoir to enhance storage capacity. These lakes, originally built in 1910 and 1932 respectively, have historically served as the primary source of drinking water for Darjeeling Municipality but had not undergone major maintenance for decades.

Highlighting the ecological and historical importance of the site, MP Raju Bista said the lakes, situated at an altitude of around 2,487 meters, are surrounded by dense forests of rhododendron, oak, chestnut, maple, and pine, forming a vital part of Darjeeling’s natural heritage. He noted that once completed, the upgraded system would ensure a cleaner, more reliable, and sufficient water supply for the town’s residents.

The Minister also announced that the state government will prepare a Detailed Project Report for an alternative road to ease Darjeeling’s persistent traffic congestion. She acknowledged the severe traffic jam experienced during her arrival and said that while town expansion is not feasible, a new route from Lebong to 3rd Mile would be developed. Permission has also been sought to use the Jalapahar road during peak tourist seasons to reduce vehicular pressure.

Darjeeling, which sees a heavy influx of tourists between mid-April and mid-June, often experiences severe traffic congestion that affects daily life, including school children, office commuters, and patients travelling to Siliguri for medical needs.

The government also outlined a broader regional development vision for the Himalayan hill circuit, including Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Mirik, and Siliguri. The plan aims to upgrade roads and infrastructure in a coordinated manner to boost economic growth and improve connectivity across the region.

Addressing civic issues, the Minister stated that stricter measures on waste management will be introduced from July, including fines for violations. She also confirmed that garbage collected from Darjeeling town would be transported to Siliguri for proper processing.

On the proposal to upgrade Darjeeling Municipality into a Corporation, she clarified that the decision would depend on the upcoming population census and whether the town meets the required criteria.

Earlier in the day, the Minister visited the Mahakal Temple at Chowrasta to offer prayers and later inspected an ICDS centre at Happy Valley Tea Garden. She said these centres would be modernised with improved infrastructure to strengthen early childhood care and support for young mothers.

In a separate field inspection at Dhargaon in Toklang, Soureni under Mirik subdivision, Minister Paul and MP Raju Bista reviewed rehabilitation efforts in one of the worst-affected areas of the October 2025 landslides, which had claimed four lives, injured five people, and destroyed multiple homes.

Nearly eight months after the disaster, several affected families are still residing in temporary shelters or near their original locations, with rehabilitation work progressing slowly. The Minister directed district officials to urgently identify suitable relocation sites and ensure timely rehabilitation support for all affected families. She also instructed authorities to strengthen mitigation measures, including proper drainage systems, protective retaining walls, and clearance of landslide-prone zones.

MP Raju Bista expressed gratitude to the Minister for her visit and concern for the affected families, stating that coordinated efforts are being made to ensure improved safety and rehabilitation measures in the future. He also reiterated his inspection of the ongoing renovation work at Sinchel North and South Lakes, highlighting their historical importance and the need for sustained maintenance to secure Darjeeling’s drinking water future.

He noted that the development project, funded by the Central Government, includes large-scale restoration and expansion works aimed at safeguarding the region’s essential water resources and improving long-term urban sustainability.

The day-long visit underscored the state’s combined focus on infrastructure renewal, disaster rehabilitation, water security, and regional development across the Darjeeling hills.