Darjeeling Tourism Office Lease Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Undervaluation

Amitava Banerjee, MP, Oct 16, 2026, Darjeeling: A controversy has erupted within the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) over the alleged undervalued leasing of the Additional Director of Tourism (ADT) office located at Chowrasta, the prime tourist hub in Darjeeling.

Robert Chettri, an elected GTA Sabhasad from the Sadar II constituency, has sent a strongly worded letter to the GTA Administrator seeking immediate executive intervention and a complete halt to all ongoing handover proceedings.

The letter raises concerns regarding financial transparency, alleged favouritism and the valuation of public assets.

The letter stated that the iconic ADT office holds immense public importance and historical significance in the Hills, having been burnt down twice during past political agitations. It had been functioning fully until last year.

According to Chettri, the Tourism Department had initially informed public representatives that no lease agreement had been finalised for this key property.

“However, we are now hearing that a deposit of Rs. 20 lakh has already been made to the GTA in connection with this property,” stated Chettri.

Questioning the commercial rationale of the deal, the Sabhasad pointed out a stark contrast with the local real estate market, where even a small shop, a mere fraction of the size of the ADT office, easily commands a monthly rental exceeding Rs 2 lakh.

“Against this commercial reality, the reported arrangement raises grave concerns of gross undervaluation. We cannot accept the disposal of a valuable public asset on terms that fail to protect the interests of our people,” the letter reads.

Chettri alleged a possible connection behind the agreement, claiming that the private contractor involved is closely associated with the previous Chief Executive of the GTA. He stated that this connection, coupled with the lack of clarity surrounding the tender process and independent evaluation, raises concerns about possible favouritism and nepotism that warrant a transparent probe.

The Sabhasad has demanded that the GTA administration cancel any lease agreements already entered into and make the original tender notice, valuation reports, bids received and selection proceedings public.

He added that if leasing the property is considered an absolute necessity, the GTA “must first assess the department’s internal requirements and route any subsequent arrangement through a fresh, open, and transparent public tender”.

Courtesy and Source: Millennium Post 

The GTA Administrator could not be contacted for comments.