Permanent Political Solution for Hills Soon: Bista

REZA PRADHAN

MP says all stakeholders, including opposition parties, will be consulted on future political arrangement

DARJEELING, : Darjeeling MP Raju Bista on Wednesday said that a Permanent Political Solution (PPS) for the Hills would be achieved soon, while stressing that inputs would be taken from all stakeholders, including opposition parties.

Bista was speaking on the sidelines of a District Administrative and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) review meeting held in Darjeeling. The meeting was attended by GTA secretaries, the three hill MLAs, the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, and senior officials from various departments.

“The issue of the PPS, which was taken up by the BJP, will be fulfilled soon. Tomorrow, a meeting will be held between the Bengal Chief Minister and the interlocutor in Kolkata, which I will also attend. After that, the interlocutor will visit the Hills and meet various stakeholders. I will also convene a separate meeting of party leaders in the Hills. This solution is not only for me, the BJP, or our alliance partners, but for fulfilling the aspirations and ensuring the development of the people here,” said Bista, adding that he would also hold discussions with leaders of opposition parties.

“Most of the suggestions will be related to Gorkhaland, but many other issues may also come up during discussions. Whatever happens, we should reach a consensus and place it before the public. We want an arrangement that satisfies all stakeholders and is also acceptable to the government. We should strive to secure the best possible option,” he added.

The Darjeeling MP maintained that until a new arrangement is in place, the GTA must continue serving the people of the Hills with transparency, accountability and efficiency.

“Public welfare is our top priority. Keeping that in mind, we want development in the Hills and for people to benefit from various government schemes. After the elections, there was some uncertainty in the Hills as the State government, with whose support the GTA was functioning, suffered a setback. The new arrangement that will replace it has yet to be formed, and during this interim period the GTA and the administration will continue their work,” he said.

Bista alleged that there had been a lack of transparency in the past and claimed that instances of corruption would not be repeated.

Among the issues discussed at the meeting were the GTA budget, departmental matters, revival of cinchona plantations, closed tea gardens, traffic management and tourism.

Bista said that he, along with the MLAs, would hold detailed discussions with the concerned departments in the coming days. He also announced that the Rohini Road would be transferred to the Public Works Department (PWD) and that political cases registered during the agitation would be withdrawn, except those involving murder.

Speaking on measures to address traffic congestion in the Hills, Bista said that a No Objection Certificate (NOC) had been granted for an alternative highway connecting Siliguri and Darjeeling. He added that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for an 18-km road stretch from Lebong to Third Mile had been prepared and submitted. He also referred to an ongoing survey for an alternative route from Teesta to Lebong, for which a DPR is being prepared.

“I want the railway line and road to be at the same level, for which we will obtain the necessary NOC, with the DHR agreeing to it. Proposals are also being considered for parking facilities in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik, along with ropeway projects in several locations,” said Bista.