West Bengal

IIE Digital Desk: In North Bengal, the government has announced an ambitious set of infrastructure and civic development projects that will bring about a significant shift towards urban living, tourism, and public services. The plans were presented by Minister of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Agnimitra Paul at a review meeting held in Siliguri, which included smart city initiatives, water supply, waste management, traffic infrastructure, urban beautification.

A significant aspect of the proposed roadmap is the development of sustainable urban infrastructure in Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong cities such as Kalampong, Kurseong, and Mirik, with the Himalayan Hill City Project being a major component. It seeks to consolidate Siliguri as a commercial hub while improving the civic amenities in the hill stations by means of better traffic management, improved drinking water supply and conservation of water and solutions for chronic waterlogging. Multilevel parking facilities are being planned in Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong through the Centre's Urban Challenge Fund. The minister also stated that Senchal Lake, a crucial source of drinking water for DarJEeL, will be revitalised by 2020. 100 crore is being invested in Mirik by the government for civic development, with the purpose of upgrading public areas and encouraging tourism.

At Shiv Mandir and Dabgram-Fulbari, both located on the outskirts of Siliguri, the government has suggested creating two new municipalities to expand the region's urban network. Cooch Behar is set to become a smart city thanks to 30 crore being allocated by the Centre's Urban Infrastructure Development Fund for upgrades in its water and sewer infrastructure.

Government development still focuses on sanitation and drinking water. "... The minister announced that the government aims to eliminate garbage from urban areas by May 2027. Around 1,698 crore is being invested to provide drinking water connections to almost 90,000 households by June next year, significantly increasing access to safe water across urban centres. Additionally, technology is expected to play a more significant role in urban planning. In an effort to enhance planning for future development projects and scientific mapping, the government has recently carried out a drone survey of Falakata Municipality, marking the first such exercise in West Bengal. In her visit, the minister engaged in a live phone call with residents to address complaints regarding civic services and unauthorised construction, encroachment on property, as well as municipal workers' salaries. This was an added function of the ministry.

The proposed schemes are a comprehensive strategy to modernise the urban environment in North Bengal, as well as improve civic infrastructure, enhance public services and promote economic and tourist growth throughout the region.