September 4, 2018
Development of Hill Areas a top priority for Bangla Govt
Developmental measures aimed at benefiting the people in the Hill areas and Dooars have culminated in significant socio-economic improvement of the people residing in these areas.
The overall impact of such activities has resulted in the building up of a peaceful and calm atmosphere in the region.
The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Act, 2011 was notified in 2012. Thirty-five departments of the State Government have notified the setting up of their offices under GTA.
Here are some of the achievements of the Hill Affairs Department:
A. Allocation of more than Rs 4,035 crore for the Hills
B. Creation of district of Kalimpong and subdivision of Mirik
C. Formation of 15 Development Boards for the indigenous communities of the Hills and disbursal of various developmental activities including preservation and promotion of their ancient culture and traditions
D. Development of road infrastructure in the Hill areas has been a priority:
Renovations of NH-55 between Tindharia and Paglajhora and NH-10 between Sevoke and Sikkim border which were badly damaged due to landslides taken up
Construction of AH-2 and AH-48 underway; they will improve connectivity of Bengal with Sikkim, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan
E. Considerable thrust given to Tourism sector of Hill areas:
Eight cottages constructed in Kalimpong within the premises of Morgan House Tourist Lodge
Two Cultural Tourism Centres being developed at Kalimpong-I and Sukhiapokhri blocks for focusing on Lepcha culture and heritage
One hundred-bedded Youth Hostel under construction in Kalimpong
Development of several new tourist destinations undertaken
Four executive-class buses for foreign tourists as well as four small vehicles for local sightseeing introduced
Eco-friendly tourist lodge being developed at Tiger Hill in Darjeeling
Siliguri Royal Tiger Safari started, which is first tiger safari in Bangla
F. Thrust given on education:
Model schools established in Sukna, Mongarjung and RKSP in Darjeeling district
Two degree colleges established in Pedong and Gorubathan
One ITI and one polytechnic college being built in Kalimpong; another ITI completed in Gorubathan
In Kurseong, Dow Hill is being developed as an Education Hub. The Himalayan Centre of Presidency University is also being established at the same place.
G. Due priority given to health sector in Hill areas:
One HDU set up In Kalimpong
Eight SNSUs set up in the district of Darjeeling
Two CCUs established in Siliguri and Darjeeling
Four fair price medicine shops established in Darjeeling, Siliguri, Kurseong and Naxalbari
Medical college being set up in Kurseong
Hundred-bedded ESI Hospital being established in Siliguri
Four health sub-centres are ready to be commissioned.
H. Government proposes to lay emphasis on:
Eco-tourism and village tourism
Setting up of new health centres
Agriculture and horticulture
Skill development schemes in the areas of hospitality
Security Services (unarmed)
Handloom and handicrafts
I. Himal-Terai-Dooars Sports Festival being held to encourage the youth of the region to participate in sports and games activities
J. Hill Area Development Committee constituted to supervise development works in the Hill areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.
