Sikkim issues addressed during Golay-Adhikari meeting in Kolkata

BIJOY GURUNG

GANGTOK,: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay on Thursday called on West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Nabanna State Secretariat in Kolkata.

Key inter-State issues of Sikkim and West Bengal were discussed during the meeting, as shared by Golay on his social media page.

At the outset, the Chief Minister congratulated Adhikari on assuming office of Chief Minister of West Bengal and conveyed his best wishes for a successful and fruitful tenure.

The meeting discussed about the previously stalled proposal for the construction of a Suswastha Bhawan Sikkim, at the SNT Complex in Siliguri, intended to support people seeking medical treatment in the region.

The Chief Minister of West Bengal acknowledged the significance of this initiative and graciously accorded his approval, and directed the concerned department to issue permission, informed Golay. He expressedhis sincere gratitude to Adhikari for his prompt and positive response.

In March 2025, the Chief Minister had laid the foundation of the Suswastha Bhawan at SNT Complex in Siliguri but the approval was quickly withdrawn by the TMC-led Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC).

At the meeting, the two Chief Ministers deliberated on the reciprocal transport agreement between the Governments of Sikkim and West Bengal, particularly the long-standing demand to enhance the quota of countersignature permits for Sikkim-registered taxis operating to West Bengal.

In a significant and welcome decision, the Chief Minister of West Bengal approved an increase in the existing quota from 3,000 to 6,000 permits. This will enable a greater number of Sikkim-registered taxis to ply across various parts of West Bengal, especially Siliguri, thereby greatly benefiting our Sarathis and strengthening inter-state connectivity, said the Sikkim Chief Minister.

The meeting further addressed the pressing issue of the rising Teesta riverbed following the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of 2023, which has caused extensive damage to National Highway 10 and disrupted connectivity to Sikkim.

It was mutually agreed that scientific sediment management through dredging of the Teesta River would be undertaken as a joint initiative between the Governments of Sikkim and West Bengal, said Golay.

Following the 2023 GLOF, the water levels of Teesta River, particularly between Melli and Teesta Bazar stretch have risen considerably due to sediment accumulation. The rising water levels pose threat to the NH 10 and settlements along the river.

Golay thanked the West Bengal Chief Minister for the fruitful engagement and his prompt and positive decisions taken on these important matters related with Sikkim.