June 25, 2014
West Bengal`s 20th district Alipurduar comes into existence
Chief minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee Wednesday formally announced the creation ofBengal`s 20th district – Alipurduar – at a function held at Alipurduar Parade Ground. The new district wasa long-standing demand of the people of Alipurduar. It was a sub-division inJalpaiguri earlier.
Today`s function was attended by Speaker of West Bengal Assembly, local MLAs, MPs and other dignitaries, apart from the common people. WB CM also distributed Kanyashree certificates, cycles, pump sets, Kisan credit cards, power tillers and other services to beneficiaries.
The occasion was marked by the blowing of conch shells and `ulu dhwani` by local women, performance of tribal dances from the region and cutting a ceremonial cake to mark the creation of Alipurduar district.
At the function, WB CM said June 25 will be observed as Alipurduar Dibas every year. Alias Vez will be the new districtmagistrate of Alipurduar and Mr Anup Jaiswal will be the SP.
The new district consists of Alipurduar, Shamuktala, Kumargram, Falakata, Birpara, Kalchini, Jaigaon and Madarihat blocks.
Excerpts from the Chief Minister`s speech:
Today we are happy and proud. Today is ahistoric day. I am fortunate and glad to be present here today. TodayAlipurduar district has taken birth. This date will forever be etched in thepages of history.
Dooars was once called the Door to Bhutan. Todaya district has been formed here to honour the demands of the people. I wishto congratulate every citizen living in this district. Ministers, dignitaries,elected representatives, officials as well as leaders of various politicalparties are present here today.
Alipurduar is blessed with naturalresources. There are 70 tea gardens in this district. From Terai to Dooars,there is great variety in Alipurduar. There are forests, rivers like Sankosh,Teesta, Torsa and Raidak. We must ensure this district becomes the best tourismdestination People used to mock me when I said North Bengal can becomeSwitzerland. We are developing infrastructure here. We will see if we canlaunch helicopter services in this district.
The new district consists of Alipurduar,Shamuktala, Kumargram, Falakata, Birpara, Kalchini, Jaigaon and Madarihatblocks with a population of about 15 lakh. Alipurduar has a sizable presence ofAdivasi brothers and sisters. There are Totos, Kochs and other tribal peoplehere. We give them rice at Rs 2 per kilo. We are committed towards theirupliftment. We want the cooperation of people to make Alipurduar the bestdistrict. We will need a little time to develop infrastructure. We will work on the ferry services too.
Alipurduar now consists of touristdestinations like Jayanti, Buxa, Rajabhatkhawa, Jaldapara, Chilapata amongothers. We will seek advice from several business houses and chambers on waysto boost tourism here. We willprioritize tea tourism and home tourism here.
We want all the districts in the Hills andplains of North Bengal to smile.
