Continuing with the series of questions concerning our constituency, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista had raised the issue of pollution in the Siliguri stretch of river Mahananda and had requested for urgent river rejuvenation program on the lines of Namami Gange program.
He had also asked if the Government had taken any steps to address the acute water shortage problems in Darjeeling, Siliguri, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik, Matigara and Phansidewa.
Responding to the queries, Hon’ble Minister for Jal Shakti Shri. Rattan Lal Kataria stated, that Mahananda was polluted from Siliguri to Binaguri, and that the Central Pollution Control Board had approved a project prepared by the WB Govt to rejuvenate the river, and that the Govt of WB is expected to complete the project in two years time, starting April 2019.
Addressing the water crisis issue, the Minister informed that Govt of India had included Darjeeling and Siliguri under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and urban Transformation (AMRUT) on 25th June, 2015. He further informed the house that under the Central Assisted AMRUT scheme the WB Govt has initiated a 204.84 crore water supply project in Darjeeling – for which the contract had been awarded.
Reacting to the questions, MP Bista said, “I am glad that two of my priority areas – providing clean and safe drinking water to every household in my constituency has begun through the initiation of AMRUT sponsored water project in Darjeeling town. I will make sure that during my tenure water crisis problem in every panchayat, block and town in the Hills and Plains are solved.”
He further said, “we will all need to come together to work on complimenting the government initiatives by volunteering to conserve water, recharge aquifers and natural springs. I am confident that our people will support the government in making Darjeeling Lok Sabha Constituency a water surplus region.”
He requested, “this 204.84 crore water project for Darjeeling Municipality, should be adequate to cover each and every household, as long as there is no cut money charged. It is the duty of our people to make sure that the Government agencies utilize the funds for what it has come, and all the money allocated for the project is accounted for.”
Earlier, he had inquired about the revamping and upgradation of Bagdogra airport to an International airport. Answering this question, the Minister of State (IC) in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION Shri Hardeep Singh Puri responded, that the Government has asked the West Bengal government to provide 104.65 acres, for the development of new Civil Enclave at Bagdogra.
Great initiative sir. We Siligurian’s long demand may fulfill through your hand
Yes this will be great achievement if Bagdogra will be international Airport because most of the people around Sikkim Darjeeling Siliguri lives abroad due to their domestic problems as well as their daily necessity which they couldn’t bear it.. So its easy for them if Bagdogra will be international airport otherwise it will take minimum time I.e 12 hrs to be boarded from Kolkata to any destination for which people have to suffer a lot… Secondly about water crices its very easy for us to be away from water crices that our teesta river which flows 24X7 = 365 Days.. we can make some RO plant which purifies water and can easly make water storage
Tank to all the areas where water is crices… This is the best idea from my point of view.. Thankyou
Your true concern for Darjeeling district region is truly appreciated.
A Project for planting trees along the side of mahananda river can also add a great value towards creating a sustainable environment.
A man will be judged by his action and not by his shooting talks. Bravo Hon’ble MP Raju Bistji. So far so good. Keep up your hard work. The question that you have raised earlier will be resolved in the course of time to come including most important political issues in the better interest of our nation, with the help of wise people out side of local political parties which are not even worth of a paise. – With best wishes and regards – Bharat Mukhia
ভারতিয়া জনতা পার্টি গৌসাপুর অঞ্চলে র পখথেকে প্রথমে জানাই আন্তরিক অভিনন্দন ও শুভেচ্ছা । আমাদের এখানে আসলে দেখবেন এখনকার মানুষ কি পরিস্থিতি আছে।