Bolstering N Bengal links, state govt plans ‘Himalayan Hill City’

Siliguri: North Bengal is set for a major development push, with state govt announcing plans to create a ‘Himalayan Hill City' by bolstering the links between Siliguri and the towns of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik. There will be no developmental difference between north and south Bengal, state minister Agnimitra Paul said.After an administrative meeting at Uttarkanya on Sunday, Paul said: "The project aims to strengthen infrastructure, tourism facilities, drinking water supply and civic services while fostering closer developmental links between the hills and the plains. As part of the initiative, QR codes will be installed at every household, while housing projects and modern public toilets will be developed on govt land. Modern sanitation facilities will also be constructed at major tourist destinations.""The govt has sought details of funds allocated for development during the tenure of the previous administration and reiterated its commitment to delivering public services more efficiently and closer to people's doorsteps," she said.State govt also announced a special task force to combat human trafficking and child marriage. " Surveillance will be intensified in border areas, while day-care and skill development facilities will be created for children of migrant workers who leave the state in search of employment," she added.Paul directed police to intensify action against narcotics. District authorities were directed to prepare, by June 20, a list of major temples in north Bengal that draw large crowds. Govt is considering incense-stick manufacturing units at selected locations, Paul said. Alongwith senior officials, minister of state Anandamay Barman, MPs Raju Bista and Jayanta Roy, and legislators from north Bengal attended the meeting while minister and Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh was absent.Paul said biometric attendance for sanitation workers, known as ‘Nirmal Bandhus', will also become mandatory from the same date. Special inquiry committees will investigate allegations of illegal construction and encroachment in municipalities. Govt also ordered strict monitoring and investigation of unauthorised or illegal madrasas.