MP Raju Bista on Thursday met with the minister of Urban Affairs, and Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep S Puri to discuss issues concerning Darjeeling hills.

By Prashant Acharya
Siliguri, 18th May:

MP Raju Bista on Thursday met with the minister of Urban Affairs, and Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep S Puri to discuss issues concerning Darjeeling hills.
During his recent visit to the constituency, Bista was informed about the price difference between hills and the plains in terms of domestic gas cylinder. Highlighting this, he informed the minister that given the geographic positioning, people in the hill region suffer more economic hardships and higher prices of domestic gas cylinder impacts the people negatively. He also informed him that despite taking Rs 30 extra, as delivery charge, the distributors only do “point delivery” i.e the people are asked to pick up their cylinders from a point in the area, where as the delivery charge should have included door-step delivery.

Minister has assured Bista that he will have the matter examined at the earliest, and address the problem. 

Bista thanked the minister for providing funding towards drinking water projects in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik Municipalities and Siliguri Municipal Corporation. He also inquired into the status of funding for Drinking Water Project in Kurseong Municipality area. 

Minister informed him that he will have the Kurseong Municipality issue inquired into and get back to me within the next week. He reiterated that the government will provide all necessary funds and support to ensure 100% drinking water connectivity in Kurseong and all other Municipalities of our region.

Bista also informed the minister about the delay in the execution and implementation of the AMRUT Scheme under Darjeeling Municipality for which the Central Government has already allocated Rs 204.84 crore rupees. Despite funds being sanctioned already, the progress of work towards providing water to every household in Darjeeling Municipality region has been delayed, and wherever work has been done, it is sub-standard.

Minister has said that he will have the matter examined, and ensure expedited implementation of the project, and if necessary, he will order an inquiry and audit into the project.

“I am most appreciative of the people who have shared their concerns with me, for our region to develop in true sense, we need informed and educated citizens. Change is possible, only when we all take a stand”, said Bista. EOM