Darjeeling SARAS Mela draws flak over Chowrasta venue

REZA PRADHAN

DARJEELING,: The 10-day SARAS Mela, which began at Chowrasta here today, has drawn criticism from local organisations and political leaders over the choice of venue.

The fair, organised by West Bengal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (WBSRLM) under Department of Panchayats and Rural Development in collaboration with Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), showcases handicrafts and other products made by self-help group (SHG) entrepreneurs.

The Morning Health Club (MHC) opposed the use of Chowrasta for the event, saying the venue serves as a public gathering space and a recreational area for residents as well as tourists.

MHC president Thsering Dorjee Bhutia said he had opposed the choice of venue last year as well and had raised the issue with then Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

“There are other places where this programme can be held. The mela runs for nearly half a month, while another half a month is taken up by preparations. For almost a month, people here are deprived of a playground and a place to sit peacefully," Bhutia said.

He alleged that the policy of the Trinamool Congress government was being continued by the BJP and stressed that Chowrasta was an important public space for both residents and visitors.

The MHC had planned a peaceful protest during the inauguration but called it off following a request from the administration, which assured the organisation that its demands could be conveyed to the ministers through a memorandum, Bhutia said.

Meanwhile, Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) leader Manjila Tamang objected to the construction of a temporary toilet for VIPs at the Chowrasta Open Theatre during the fair.

Tamang said the party learnt about the facility only on Tuesday evening and questioned the need for it when a public toilet was available nearby.

“People sit here while children play in the area at other times. How can such a place be made dirty? The Mahakal temple is also located just above it,” she said.

Tamang said party representatives approached the administration, which assured them that the facility would not be used. The GNLF, however, insisted that it be closed in their presence, a demand that was accepted, she added.

Responding to the criticism, State Panchayats and Rural Development minister Dilip Ghosh said the fair would benefit local people and that Chowrasta was an appropriate venue given the large number of tourists visiting Darjeeling.

“People are happy when such programmes are organised, as is the case in Kolkata, where these fairs are held at different places. It is some political leaders who create such issues,” Ghosh said.