Darjeeling, July 31 -- State Home and Hill Affairs minister Bishal Lama on Friday stated that the Hills are a priority for the present BJP-led government and especially Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The minister stated that all concerned departments, including the North Bengal Development department (NBDD), along with the Tourism department, are working in tandem to promote the Darjeeling Hills as a "Global destination".
The minister on Friday chaired three meetings in Darjeeling at the GTA, Darjeeling Municipality and DM office. Addressing media persons after a meeting at Lalkothi, the GTA secretariat in Darjeeling, Lama stated: "In the past 15 to 20 years, Darjeeling faced a lot of problems. Development remained inconspicuous. We are committed to ensure that there is no repeat of this. The Chief Minister is truly concerned about the Hills and it is this government's topmost priority."
He stated that under the "Global Destination" programme of the Union government, Darjeeling would be developed. "Tourism will be given a boost in the Hills. Ropeways will be developed along with other infrastructure. Lakes will be beautified. The DPR for the beautification of Mirik lake is near completion," stated Lama.
The minister stated that with Rs 360 crore allocated by the state budget for GTA and departments like NBDD pitching in (Rs 250 crore) for the development of the GTA region, a plan is being prepared so that the funds can be utilised properly on ground zero for the benefit of the public.
Lama stated: "The meeting was to ensure that people do not face any problems and that emergency work is not hampered. It is monsoon, and we have to ensure that people do not face any problems owing to landslides. Till there is a better arrangement in place, we have to ensure that the GTA functions properly.
The Principal Secretary of the GTA will be stationed in the GTA region. He, along with the department heads of the GTA, will conduct field visits and go to the public to ensure that they do not face any problems and they can avail all facilities handed down by the Government and the GTA," added Lama.
He assured that the government is aware of the long-standing demand for the regularisation of the employees of the GTA who are under the payband scheme.
"The law department along with the Hill Affairs department is considering all options for the smooth functioning of the GTA. Very soon the public will come to know," iterated Lama.
Darjeeling MLA Noman Rai said: "We have assured the departmental heads of the GTA that they can work independently for the benefit of the public and not come under any political pressure. Whatever practices the previous government indulged in for their own political gains will no longer be entertained."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.