Poet-artist Kewal Chandra Lama to receive Sixth Lain Singh Bangdel Memorial Award

SILIGURI,: A strong demand has emerged from local residents and social organisations to honour Dil Kumar Subba, a resident of Dudhia under Kurseong subdivision, with a bravery award for his courageous act of rescuing four tourists from the swollen Balason River on the night of July 14.

Recognising his extraordinary courage, Chandan Sitoula, founder of the Gorkha Empower Care Foundation, on Friday submitted a formal proposal recommending Subba for a bravery award. The recommendation letter was forwarded to the Block Development Officer (BDO), Kurseong, through St. Mary's III Gram Panchayat.

Speaking on the occasion, Sitoula said that Dil Kumar Subba displayed exceptional bravery by risking his own life to save four tourists who were caught in the dangerous current of the Balason River.

“Such acts of selfless heroism deserve recognition. Dil Kumar Subba did not think about his own safety while rescuing the stranded tourists. His timely action prevented a major tragedy, and we believe he should be honoured with an appropriate Bravery Award,”Sitoula said.

The foundation also felicitated Subba with a token of appreciation in recognition of his courage, humanity and exemplary service to society.

Adding weight to the demand, Dinesh Thapa, Pradhan of St. Mary's III Gram Panchayat, announced that the Panchayat would officially felicitate Dil Kumar Subba on Monday for his heroic act.

“Dil Kumar Subba has made our entire region proud. His bravery in saving four lives at the risk of his own deserves the highest appreciation. We believe he deserves a Bravery Award from the President of India, and the Panchayat will forward a recommendation to the higher authorities for necessary action,” Thapa said.

Local residents have also urged the administration to recognise Subba's heroic contribution and to strengthen safety measures at the Balason River, a popular tourist destination.

Manti Sunar, a local resident, expressed concern over the negligence of many visitors despite repeated warnings from locals.

“Many tourists ignore our instructions and go to the middle of the river to take photographs or enjoy. During the monsoon, the river's water level can rise suddenly due to heavy rainfall in the hills, making it extremely dangerous. Tourists should follow the advice of local residents for their own safety,” Sunar said.

The Balason River attracts hundreds of visitors, especially during weekends and holidays.

However, during the monsoon season, sudden surges in water flow pose a serious threat, and locals have repeatedly appealed for stricter safety measures, including warning signboards, barricades and deployment of rescue personnel.

Dil Kumar Subba's courageous rescue has earned widespread admiration across the region. As support for honouring him continues to grow, residents and social organisations hope that the district administration and higher authorities will recognise his extraordinary act of bravery with an appropriate award.