Category Archives: Regional

Serpentine traffic snarls throw life in the Hill out of gear

Amitava Banerjee, MP,  24 May 2024, Darjeeling : 8 km in 3 hours — this is what has become synonymous with the Queen of the Hills, as serpentine traffic jams take over Darjeeling. Patients, students, office goers, daily commuters as well as the tourists are flocking the hill town. 

Transport associations have issued a deadline, threatening protest programmes from July, if the administration fails to take positive steps to ease the situation. “I stay in Ghoom and have to commute to Darjeeling daily. It is taking more than 3 hours to commute 8 km. I have switched over to bicycling. I reach faster now,” stated Dawa, a local resident. 
Students are missing classes; the condition of patients deteriorates, caught in traffic snarls and not making it on time to the hospital. “It is absolute chaos and can no longer be called traffic jams. They are deadlocks. 
During tourist season we face hell,” added Mamta Chettri, a resident. “Not much has been done by the Centre, state and local self government to improve the infrastructure of the town. If money would have been spent on developing infrastructure, we would not have to face such problems. 
We have the same infrastructure that the British left us with. Nothing new has been built since,” stated Pasang Sherpa, president, Himalayan Transport Coordination Committee. A
“We have given memorandums to the authorities with suggestions. We want the administration and police to conduct a survey and also hold meetings with stakeholders to come up with short and long term plans to sort out this issue. If we see that no steps have been taken by the end of June then we will launch protest programmes from July,” added Sherpa. 
The memorandum states that most of the hotels have no parking facilities and park vehicles on the streets, further aggravating the situation. “The police and administration should enforce that the hotels have parking facilities. The hotels convert parking space into rooms, park on roads and save lakhs of rupees,” alleged the transporter. 
The memorandum further added that all tourist spots should have parking. “ National Highway 55 connecting Siliguri to Darjeeling does not fulfill any criteria of national highway. In places the road is around 7 feet wide and does not permit both side traffic. That too the Railway track runs through the road. 
There are no designated drop-off points on the road,” stated Sherpa. Memorandums have been given to the GTA Chief; MLA Darjeeling and Kurseong; Darjeeling DM and SP. “The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway tracks have to be brought down to road level at places that are prone to traffic jams. 
The frequency of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Joy Rides have to be cut down to 4. When the Joy Rides ply, traffic comes to a standstill,” added Pradeep Lama, owner of a travel agency. 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/serpentine-traffic-snarls-throw-life-in-the-hill-out-of-gear-565164

Cyclone Remal: Flight ops suspended for 21 hrs; several trains cancelled in Bengal

Pradip Chatterjee, MP, 25 May 2024, Kolkata: The India Meteorological Department has announced that a deep depression located over the Bay of Bengal has strengthened significantly, evolving into a severe cyclone named ‘Remal.’ Forecasters predict that ‘Remal’ will make landfall along the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh by midnight on Sunday, May 26. 

In anticipation of the potential impact of Cyclone Remal, authorities at Kolkata airport have decided to suspend flight operations for 21 hours, starting from Sunday noon. The South Eastern Railway (SER) also cancelled at least six trains and announced short termination as well as short origination of a couple of trains. 
As many as 48 EMU services will remain cancelled on Sunday and Monday in the Sealdah division and five services will be rescheduled on Monday. According to the weather office, the landfall is expected to occur between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh, with wind speeds forecast to reach 110-120 kilometres per hour (kmph) with gusts up to 135 kmph. 
A red alert has been sounded in Bengal’s coastal districts ahead of the arrival of ‘Remal’. The cyclone will bring with it extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds and is likely to impact Odisha too. Heavy rain alert is there in Bengal’s South and North 24-Parganas districts. Four coastal districts in Odisha are also on alert for the cyclone.
The IMD issued a red alert for South and North 24-Parganas, warning of heavy to very heavy rain with wind speeds reaching 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph on May 26 and 27. An orange alert has been issued for Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, and East Midnapore districts, forecasting heavy rain with wind speeds of 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph. 
The IMD has warned of potential localised flooding and major damage to vulnerable structures, power and communication lines, roads, crops, and orchards in the affected areas. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and evacuate from unsafe structures. The system was centred around 420 kilometres south of Khepupara, Bangladesh, and was moving northwards at 11 kilometres per hour on Saturday morning.
The IMD has predicted it will strengthen into a cyclonic storm by this evening and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm by early morning on Sunday. The weather office has warned fishermen to stay out of the North Bay of Bengal until the morning of May 27.

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/cyclone-remal-flight-ops-suspended-for-21-hrs-several-trains-cancelled-in-bengal-565273

Significant discovery by Dr Kamal Bhujel involving negative absorption in the infrared (IR)

KalimNews, Kalimpong, 26 May 2024 : In recent times, there have been numerous encouraging reports highlighting the achievements of young people from Kalimpong, Darjeeling, the Gorkhas of the plains, and surrounding areas. These young individuals have been excelling in various fields, bringing pride to their communities and inspiring others.

It’s the time when the Gorkha community is making significant progress in various fields, including scientific discoveries. Consequently, Dr. Kamal Bhujel, a resident of Dilaram Tea Estate, has pioneered a new process known as Negative Absorption in the Infrared region during his research. Dr. Kamal Bhujel attained his PhD degree from the Department of Physics at Mizoram University in 2023. 
His research focused on Thin-film Perovskite solar cells, conducted primarily at the Solar Energy Research Lab at the Indian Institute of Technology-Dhanbad (IIT-Dhanbad) under the guidance of Professor Rajalingam Thangavel. During the fabrication of these solar cells, he engineered a thin film of Nickel oxide, with a thickness measured in nanometers, onto FTO (Fluorine Doped Tin Oxide).

In solar cell applications, it is essential to assess both the optical and electrical properties. To do so, measuring Absorption and Transmittance becomes mandatory. This involves directing a light wave (ranging from 200 to 3000nm) onto the sample and observing the degree of absorption and transmission of the incident wave. The outcome of these measurements yielded unexpectedly surprising results.
It was discovered that the quantity of transmitted wave exceeded that of the incident wave, causing the Absorption curve to exhibit negativity, hence termed ‘Negative Absorption.’ This phenomenon contradicts the ‘Law of Conservation of Energy,’ presenting an apparent impossibility. Notably, no prior reports of such a process in nickel oxide existed. A similar discovery was made by CV Raman and KS Krishnan in 1928, involving irradiation of a liquid with a monochromatic wave, yet research in this domain remains scarce.
Dr. Kamal Bhujel suggests that the precise mechanism underlying this process remains elusive. While this research furnishes compelling evidence for its existence, further rigorous investigations are indispensable to elucidate its origins. 
Dr. Kamal proposes a tentative explanation: when infrared waves interact with the junction of FTO and nickel oxide, molecules in this region become excited and transform into energy, resulting in a transmittance exceeding 100%.
The recent discovery of negative absorption in the infrared (IR) region by Dr. Kamal Bhujel and his team holds significant potential for the development of new types of metamaterials and advanced applications in various fields. 
This research was supported by Dipali Nayak, a PhD scholar from the Department of Physics at IIT-Dhanbad, along with MSc students Kiran Kumari Pal and Pritam Sardar. Prof. Suman Rai and Dr. Ningthoujam S. Singh assisted in the manuscript preparation, and Prof. Thangvel provided overall direction for the research. 
Negative absorption in the IR region could pave the way for creating innovative metamaterials that manipulate light in unconventional ways, potentially leading to advancements in optoelectronics and sensing technologies. \
Additionally, this phenomenon could be particularly useful in the synthesis of solar cells designed for spacecraft, where harnessing infrared radiation is critical due to its abundance in space environments. 
To ensure the robustness and recognition of such a groundbreaking discovery, it is essential that the research undergoes rigorous peer review and is published in a prestigious scientific journal. This process will validate the findings and facilitate further exploration and application of these novel materials in the scientific community. 
Any new findings within the scientific community necessitate publication in a renowned, world-class journal, substantiated by rigorous peer review.
Despite initiating this research in 2020 and completing it by 2022, Dr. Kamal Bhujel faced a prolonged wait for publication. Initially rejected by the first journal due to perceived insufficiencies, his work underwent further scrutiny across seven subsequent submissions, each transferring to journals aligned with their respective fields. 
Finally, on February 28, 2024, the manuscript found its home in Physica B: Condensed Matter, a journal within the Elsevier Group. Following a thorough revision process addressing reviewers’ comments, acceptance came swiftly on May 20, with online publication following on May 21. Dr. Bhujel expresses profound joy at the publication of his research, extending heartfelt gratitude to all supporters. He encourages fellow Gorkha researchers to persist in advancing their studies in a similar vein.

Cyclone Remal formed over Bay of Bengal, likely to make landfall on Sunday midnight

PTI, 25 May 2024, Kolkata: A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm, named Remal, on Saturday evening and is likely to turn severe before making landfall between the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday midnight, the IMDsaid.


Named by Oman, Remal, meaning sand in Arabic, is the first cyclone over the Bay of Bengal in this pre-monsoon season.

The weather system, moving at a speed of 12 kmph over the east-central Bay of Bengal, was 350 km south-southeast of Sagar Island in West Bengal at 5.30 pm on Saturday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Moving in a northward direction, it is likely to concentrate further into a severe cyclonic storm by Sunday morning and cross West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara with a wind speed of 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph, by midnight of Sunday.

The IMD warned of extremely heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of West Bengal and heavy to very heavy rainfall in north Odisha on Sunday and Monday owing to the weather system.

Extremely heavy precipitation is also likely in Assam and Meghalaya, and heavy to very heavy rains in the other northeastern states of Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura on Monday and Tuesday.

Storm surge of up to 1.5 metre is expected to inundate low-lying areas of coastal West Bengal and Bangladesh at the time of landfall.

The IMD warned fishermen not to venture into the sea in the north Bay of Bengal till Monday morning.

A red alert was issued for West Bengal’s coastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur, and also for adjoining Kolkata, Howrah and Hooghly, where extremely heavy rain is likely on Sunday and Monday.

The South and North 24 Parganas are likely to witness the most impact of the cyclone with wind speeds reaching 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 130 kmph, while the other districts are likely to experience wind speeds of 70 to 80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph.

The IMD warned of localised flooding and major damage to vulnerable structures, power and communication lines, kutcha roads and crops in South and North 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal.

An orange alert will thereafter be in force in these districts till Tuesday morning, except in Purba Medinipur, it said.

The rest of the districts in southern West Bengal will experience wind speeds of 40 to 50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, it added.

In north Odisha, the coastal districts of Balasore, Bhadrak and Kendrapara will receive heavy rain on Sunday and Monday.

People in the affected areas have been asked to remain indoors and vacate vulnerable structures.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said it has taken all pre-emptive measures to ensure there is no loss of life or property at sea.

ICG’s remote operating stations at Haldia and Paradip are alerting fishing vessels and merchant ships through VHF (very high frequency) broadcasts, a statement said.

“Bangladesh Coast Guard authorities have been informed for instituting needful preparation for a collective response to the developing situation,” it said.

The ICG said its ships and aircraft are kept at immediate notice to undertake search and rescue missions.

Nine disaster relief teams are kept on standby at Haldia and Fraserganj in West Bengal, and Paradip and Gopalpur in Odisha, it said.

The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata said that it will suspend all cargo and container handling operations for 12 hours from 6 pm on Sunday till 6 am on Monday in view of the cyclone.

शोधकार्य: डा कमल भुजेलले गरे नेगेटिव एब्जर्ब्सनको नयाँ खोज

कालिमन्युज, कालेबुंग, २६ मई २०२४ : विभिन्न क्षेत्रमा हिमाली पहाडी भेक र अन्य स्थानका गोर्खा र अन्य युवाहरुले धेरै प्रगति गरिरहेका छन् । यसै बीच दिलाराम चिया कमान निवासी डा कमल भुजेलले आफ्नो शोध गर्ने क्रममा नेगेटिव एब्जर्ब्सन नामक एक नयाँ प्रक्रियाको खोज गरेका छन्। डा कमल भुजेलले गत वर्ष २०२३ मा मिजौराम विश्वविद्यालयको भौतिक विज्ञान बिभागबाट विद्यावारिधि प्राप्त गरेका हुन्। तिनको शोधको विषय थीन-फील्म पेरोव्स्काइट सोलर सेल रहेको थियो। 


तिनले यस शोधकार्यका अधिकांश भाग भारतीय प्राद्योगिक संस्थान-धनबाद (IIT-Dhanbad) को सोलर एनर्जी रिसर्च ल्याबमा प्राध्यपक राजालिंगम थंगवेलको अधीनमा गरेका हुन्। तिनले यसै सोलर सेल बनाउने क्रममा निक्कल अक्साइडको पत्ला परत (Thinfilm of nanometer thickness) एफटीओ (Flourine Doped Tin Oxide) माथि तयार पारेर त्यसबाट प्रकासका तरंग (Light wave from 200-3000nm) २००-३००० न्यानोमीटर फ्याकेर कति पार (Transmit) हुन्छ अनि कति सोस्छ (Absorb) भनेर जाँच गर्ने क्रममा इन्फ्रारेड (Infrared region) क्षेत्रमा अचम्मको प्रक्रिया देखा परेको जानकारी दिएका छन्। जसमा फ्याकिएको प्राकाशको मात्रा भन्दा निस्किएको प्रकासको मात्रा बढेर बेसी निस्किएको भेटियो, जुन प्रक्रियालाई त्यसै हेर्दा “ऊर्जाको संरक्षणको नियम” (Law of Conservation of Energy) को विपरित गएको देखियो जुन सम्भव नै छैन। यो प्रक्रिया निक्कल अक्साइडमा भने अहिले सम्म कसैले पनि भेटेका थिएनन्। 
सन १९२८ मा सी भी रमन र के एस कृष्णनले तरलमा एक्यरंग तरंग फ्याक्दा पनि यसै प्रकारको प्रक्रिया भेटेका थिए भने यस क्षेत्रमा धेरै कम मात्रामा मात्र शोध भएका छन्। डा कमल अनुसार यस प्रक्रिया हुनु पछाडीका ठोस् कारण भने अहिले नै किटान गरेर भन्न नसकिने भनेका छन्। तिनी भन्छन् यस प्रक्रियाको अस्तित्व छ भनेर यस शोधले ठोस् प्रमाण गरिसकेको भएता पनि यसका कारणहरू पत्ता लगाउनका निम्ति भने अझै गहनताका साथमा धेरै जाँचहरू गर्न पर्ने बताएका छन्। तथापी तिनले यस प्रक्रियाका सम्भावित कारण यसरी प्रष्टाएर भन्ने कोसिस गर्छन् कि फ्याकिएको प्रकास निक्लँदा आफै बढेर निस्किएका नभएर, एफटिओ र निक्कल अक्साइडको जुन परत निर्माण भएको छ त्यस जोडनमा इन्फ्रारेड तरंगले हिर्काउँदा त्यस क्षेत्रका अणु-परमाणुहरू उत्तेजित भएर उर्जामा परिणत भएको हुन सक्ने अढ्कल गरेका छन्।
यो प्रक्रिया स्थापित भइसकेपछि यसबाट नयाँ प्रकार पदार्थ मेटामटिरियलको (Metamaterials) निर्माण गर्न सक्ने सम्भावना पनि रहेको छ। साथै यसलाई ब्राह्मण्डमा पठाइने यानमा सोलर सेलको निर्माणमा प्रयोग हुन सक्ने छ। डा कमल भुजेललाई यस शोधमा आइ-आइ-टी- धनबाद, भौतिक विज्ञान विभागमा शोध गरिरहेकी दिपाली नायक र स्नाकोत्तर गरिरहेका किरण कुमारी पल र प्रितम सरदारले प्रयोगशालाका नमुना निर्माण (Sample preparation) मा सहयोग पुऱ्याएका थिए भने मिजौराम विश्वविद्यालयका प्रा सुमन राय अनि प्रा निंगथौजम सुरजकुमारसिंहले शोध लेखनमा सहयोग गरेका थिए। अनि यस शोधको सम्पूर्ण दिशा निर्देश प्रा थंगवेलले प्रदान गरेका थिए। 

वैज्ञानिक समुदायमा कुनै पनि नयाँ खोज पत्ता लागेमा त्यसलाई प्रमाण गर्नका निम्ति संसारकै स्तरीय अनि प्रसिद्ध जर्नलमा त्यस शोधलाई प्रकाशित गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ। यस क्रममा डा कमल भुजेलले यस शोध कार्य २०२० देखि शुरु गरेर २०२२ सम्ममा सिध्याएका भएता पनि यसलाई जर्नलमा प्रकाशित गर्न २४ सम्म पर्खनु पऱ्यो। जसमा प्रथम जर्नलले केहि माप दण्ड नपुगेको भनेर अस्वीकार नै गरिदिएका थिए भने त्यस पछिका ७ वटा जर्नलहरूले आफ्नो क्षेत्र नमिलेर अर्को जर्नलको सुझाव दिएका थिए। अन्त्यमा भने एल्सीभर समूहको फिजिका बी-कन्डेन्स्ड म्याटर (Physica B: Condensed Matter) जर्नलमा २८ फरवरी २०२४ को दिन बुझाए अनि १० मईको दिन जर्नलबाट सोधिएका सम्पूर्ण प्रश्नहरूको उत्तर बुझाए र २० मईको दिन स्वीकृत गरिए पछि २१ मईको दिन अनलाईनमा प्रकाशित भएको छ। यसरी आफ्नो शोध प्रकाशित भएकोमा खुशी व्यक्त गर्दै सम्पूर्ण शुभचिन्तकहरूलाई कृतज्ञता प्रकट गरेका छन् भने, हाम्रा गोर्खा शोधकर्ताहरूलाई पनि यसरी आफ्नो शोधहरू अघि बढाउदै प्रगति गर्ने आग्रह गरका छन्।

Gorubathan has natural resources for adventure tourism

KalimNews, Kalimpong, 24 May 2024: The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) is set to enhance the adventure tourism potential of Gorubathan, leveraging its abundant natural resources. Dawa Gyalpo Sherpa, the chief coordinator of Adventure Tourism for the GTA, conducted a survey in Gorubathan to identify opportunities for both tourists and locals. He highlighted the area’s suitability for activities such as paragliding, rock climbing, and riverside camping.

Prashant Rana, an expert in paragliding adventure tourism, along with his team, surveyed various locations and confirmed the potential for promoting adventure tourism in the region. During discussions with the Gorubathan Tourism Development Society (GTDS), the team exchanged ideas for developing tourism infrastructure. Sherpa announced that the GTA team plans to conduct test flights for paragliding in selected areas to further assess feasibility.

This initiative aims to boost the local economy by attracting adventure tourists and providing new recreational opportunities for residents. The development of adventure tourism in Gorubathan is expected to capitalize on its natural beauty and diverse landscapes, making it a significant destination for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
 

Dawa Gyalpo Sherpa, chief coordinator of Adventure Tourism for the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), highlighted the positive impact of last year’s mountain bike racing event in Gorubathan and announced plans to reorganize it for a second time. He emphasized the importance of consistent training for local youths to sustain tourism development in the region. Sherpa acknowledged the efforts of the Gorubathan Tourism Development Society (GTDS) and stressed the need for active participation from local stakeholders and authorities to promote tourism effectively.

Sherpa noted that developing a tourist destination requires years of consistent effort and follow-up. He expressed his pleasure with the positive initiatives taken by GTDS and assured that the GTA’s Department of Tourism will support GTDS in achieving its goals. On behalf of GTDS, President Shyam Thapa thanked the GTA and the team for their support, highlighting GTDS’s efforts to generate income and ensure sustainable development for the local community.

Secretary Tufan Subba of GTDS added that with the help of GTA, adventure tourism in Gorubathan can be significantly boosted, opening new avenues in the tourism sector. He also mentioned plans to organize a workshop to train local tourist guides and encourage more youths to join the profession.

These initiatives aim to leverage Gorubathan’s natural resources for adventure tourism, enhancing the local economy and providing new opportunities for the residents.

HS Council to explore reasons of significant increase of marks

SOUMITRA NANDI, EOI, 25 May 2024, Kolkata: The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) will explore the reasons of the significant increase in the marks of many students following Tatkal Post Publication Review (PPR) and Post Publication Scrutiny (PPS) in connection with the Higher Secondary examination 2024, the results of which were published on May 17. 

The merit list of 58 students ranked among the top 10 witnessed 12 new entries while another three students already in the merit list improved their ranks. “It is indeed highly competitive to figure among the top 10. 
I congratulate all the 12 students who have made it to the merit list but this should have happened earlier during the publication of results itself and not after PPR or PPS. 
We would do a sample study of the scripts that have undergone revision of marks. We want to ensure that similar things are not repeated in future,” said Chiranjib Bhattacharjee, president of WBCHSE. 
In case of the students who had barged into the merit list, the marks have increased by 4-5. The Council president said that he would individually delve deep into some answer scripts to find out what are the types of questions against which the marks have been revised.
The dozen new entries in the merit list has taken the total number of students in the top ten from 58 to 70. 
Ankit Pal of Kenduadihi High School in Bankura who had ranked 5 has jumped to rank 3, Abhra Kishore Bhattacharjee of Hooghly Collegiate School has also improved his rank from 6 to 5 while Bristi Pal of Chinsurah Balika Bani Mandir in Hooghly has advanced to 7th rank from 9th. 
According to Council sources, 11,558 students had applied for PPR and PPS for 22,836 subjects and marks of 4,597 students have witnessed revisions. “In some cases, the same teacher was engaged in checking both Higher Secondary as well as Madhyamik answer scripts. 
The dates for submission of marks were the same in case of both the exams. The distribution of scripts should have been more scientific. The Council should act tough against those having discrepancies in checking of scripts,” said Soudipto Das, secretary of Collegium of Assistant Headmasters’ and Headmistress’. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/hs-council-to-explore-reasons-of-significant-increase-of-marks-565188

Transporters in Darjeeling on warpath against traffic snarls

EOI, DARJEELING, MAY 24, 2024 : With the growing traffic snarls disrupting daily life in Darjeeling, different transport organisations and social organisations on Friday voiced their dissent and anger and warned of an agitation later this month.

Darjeeling has been facing a lot of traffic jams for the past few years, especially during the tourist seasons; with people claiming that a one and half hour trip is now taking them about four hours to complete.
Himalayan Transport Coordination Committee (HTC
C) President Pasang Sherpa said: “The traffic jam in Darjeeling especially during the peak tourist season is proving to be problematic for everyone. All the rules which are being directed by the government have been followed by the drivers but the traffic problem continues to exist. 
We feel that the government is responsible to a great extent for the traffic problem not being solved here. It will definitely be resolved by taking concrete initiatives from the government. 
If they had spent the necessary funds from time to time to improve the traffic system in this area, there would not have been such a big problem today.” 
The HTCC which itself has different vehicle syndicates as its members is a part of the different organisations making this demand.
Other transport organizations with similar demands include associations like Darjeeling Luxury Association, Pahar Terrai Chalak Sangathan, Darjeeling Trucks and Water Tanker Association and others.
The organizations suggested measures like hotels having their own parking facilities, adequate parking facilities at every tourist spot, broadening of the highway leading to Darjeeling in tune with the width of different highways in the country and proper pick-up and drop-off points for passengers and tourists in the entire region. 
They also suggested that the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway should run less number of joy rides during the tourist season as they were also the cause of traffic jams.
“We request that the government hold a meeting in the last week of June to inform us about the plan and time needed to solve the traffic jam problem by taking short term and long term steps. If the government does not take any initiative on this issue, we are thinking of starting a protest from the first week of July,” said Sherpa. 
They said they will be sending memorandums to the West Bengal Chief Minister, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, the Darjeeling Superintendent of Police, M.P.s, and MLAs. 
Supporting this step, Rajesh Gurung of Lakshya Samuha, a social organization, said: “This problem is not only affecting the drivers but other local people as well, especially the students and people going to work. Due to the traffic jam they often do not reach in time even though they start their journey in the morning.
The administration should take concrete measures to solve this problem.

Cyclonic storm in the southern Bengal may cause light to heavy rainfall in the north from 27 to 28 May

KalimNews, Kalimpong, 25 May 2024  Depression over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal (Pre-Cyclone Watch for West Bengal Coast)

The Depression over central Bay of Bengal moved north-northeastwards with a speed of 16 kmph during past 06 hours and lay centered at 1130 hrs IST of today, the 24th May, 2024 over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal near latitude 15.8°N and longitude 88.9°E, about 700 km south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), about 660 km south-southeast of Sagar Islands (West Bengal) and 710 km south of Canning (West Bengal). 
It is very likely to continue to move north-northeastwards and intensify into a Cyclonic Storm over eastcentral Bay of Bengal by 25th May morning. 
Subsequently, it would move nearly northwards, intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by 25th night. Continuing to move nearly northwards, it is very likely to cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara around 26th May midnight as a Severe Cyclonic Storm.

Forecast: (South Bengal)
Light to moderate rainfall very likely at many places over the districts on 25th and moderate rainfall at most places over the districts during 26th to 27th May 2024.

Warning: South Bengal

Rainfall Warning
25-05-2024: (Yellow warning: be updated)
1. Heavy rain (07–11 cm) is likely to occur at one or two places over North and South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts.

26-05-2024: 1. (Red warning: take action)
Heavy (07–11 cm) to very heavy rain (12 – 20 cm) at a few places with extremely heavy rain (> 20 cm) at one or two places is very likely over North and South 24 Parganas districts. 

2. (Orange warning: be prepared)
Heavy (07–11 cm) to very heavy rain (12 – 20 cm) is likely at one or two places over Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia and East Midnapore districts. 

3. (Yellow warning: be updated)
Heavy rain (7-11 cm) at one or two places is likely over West Midnapore and East Bardhaman districts.

27-05-2024: 1. (Orange warning: be prepared)
Heavy (07–11 cm) to very heavy rain (12 – 20 cm) is likely at one or two places over North and South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Nadia, Hooghly, Howrah and Murshidabad districts. 
2. (Yellow warning: be updated)
Heavy rain (7-11 cm) is likely at one or two places over East and West Bardhaman, Birbhum, East and West Midnapore districts.

Wind Warning
25-05-2024:
Thunderstorm with gusty wind speed reaching 40 to 50 kmph likely over North and South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts and reaching 30 to 40 kmph likely over rest of the districts.

26-05-2024 to 27-05-2024:
Thunderstorm with wind speed reaching 100 to 110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph likely over South 24 Parganas; reaching 90 to 100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph likely over North 24 Parganas; reaching 80 to 90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph likely over Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, East Midnapore; reaching 60 to 70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph likely over Hooghly, East Bardhaman; reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph likely over rest of the districts.


Forecast: (North Bengal)
Light to moderate rainfall very likely at most places over the districts during 27th to 28th May 2024.

Warning:
North Bengal

Rainfall Warning
27-05-2024: 
1. (Orange warning: be prepared)
Heavy (07–11 cm) to very heavy rain (12 – 20 cm) is likely at one or two places over Malda and South Dinajpur districts. 

2. (Yellow warning: be updated)
Heavy rain (7-11 cm) is likely at one or two places over North Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts.

28-05-2024: 
1. (Orange warning: be prepared)
Heavy (07–11 cm) to very heavy rain (12 – 20 cm) is likely at one or two places over Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri districts. 

2. (Yellow warning: be updated)
Heavy rain (7-11 cm) is likely at one or two places over Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.

Wind Warning for Sea:
 Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely to prevail over central and adjoining South Bay of Bengal on 24th May. It would become 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph over central Bay of Bengal on 24th May evening.
 It would extend to adjoining areas of North Bay of Bengal with gale wind speed reaching 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph from 25th May morning. It would further increase becoming 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph over North Bay of Bengal from morning and 110-120 kmph gusting to 120 kmph from evening of 26th May. Gale wind speed reaching 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph is likely over adjoining central Bay of Bengal from 26th morning for subsequent 24 hours.
Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely along & off Bangladesh, West Bengal and adjoining North Odisha coasts from 25th May evening It is likely to increase becoming gale wind speed reaching 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph from morning of 26th May and 100-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph along & off Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts from evening of 26th evening for subsequent 12 hours.
Sea condition:
 Rough to very rough sea condition is likely over central and adjoining south Bay of Bengal on 24th May. It would become high over central Bay of Bengal on 25th May & 26th May and High to Very High over North Bay of Bengal from 25th evening till 27th May morning.
 Rough to very rough sea condition is likely along & off Bangladesh, West Bengal and adjoining North Odisha coasts from 25th May evening and high to very high along & off Bangladesh and West Bengal coasts from 26th morning onwards till 27th May morning.
Storm surge:
Storm surge of about 1.0 meter above astronomical tide likely to inundate low lying areas of coastal West Bengal at the time of landfall.
Fishermen Warning (RED WARNING: TAKE ACTION)
Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from 24th May till 27th May.
Port Warning: –
Hoist Distant Cautionary Signal No. 1 at Hooghly ports along with Sectional Signal No. III at Sagar Island Port.
Damage Expected over Coastal and adjoining districts of South Bengal:
 Major damage to thatched houses/ huts. Possibilities of damage to vulnerable structure.
 Unattached metal sheets may fly.
 Breaking of tree branches, uprooting of trees. Major damage to banana and papaya trees. Dead limbs may blow off from trees.
 Damage to power and communication lines due to breaking of branches and uprooting of trees.
 Damage to Kutcha and minor damage to Pucca roads due to heavy rain.
 Damage to paddy crops, horticultural crops and orchards.
 Inundation of low lying areas and localized flooding
 Occasional reduction in visibility due to heavy rainfall.
 Disruption of traffic due to water logging and squally winds
Action Suggested for South Bengal:
 Total suspension of fishing operations.
 Surface transport and shipping operations need to be regulated
 Onshore & Offshore operation need to be regulated as per guidelines
 Coastal hutment dwellers to be in safer places.
 People in affected areas to remain indoors.
 Avoid going to areas that face the water logging problems often.
 Avoid staying in vulnerable structure.
 Use Mausam/Damini app for real time weather alert.
Damage Expected over North Bengal:
Possible Impact
1. Damage to loose/unsecured structure.
2. Water lodging in low-lying areas.
3. Communication / Traffic disruption in urban areas.
4. Damage to standing crops and horticulture, Reduction of visibility.
Action suggested:
1. Take shelter in safe place.
2. Movement of traffic may be regulated judiciously.
3. Avoid taking shelter under tree/electric pole and avoid contact with water bodies.
4. Use Mausam/Damini app for real time weather alert.

Severe cyclone forming in Bay of Bengal to make landfall on Sunday night, red alert in stat

PTI, Kolkata/New Delhi, May 24, 2024 :  A depression in the Bay of Bengal is likely to concentrate into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall along the adjoining coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh around May 26 midnight, bringing heavy rain in the coastal districts of the state and in north Odisha, the Met department said on Friday.


This is the first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this pre-monsoon season and will be named Remal, given by Oman, according to a system of naming cyclones in the north Indian Ocean region.

The system is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh, the IMD said in a bulletin.

The cyclone could reach a wind speed of 120 kilometres per hour (kmph) on Sunday.

The Met office has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of West Bengal and north Odisha on May 26-27. Extremely heavy precipitation may hit parts of northeast India on May 27-28.

Storm surge of up to 1.5 metre is expected to inundate low-lying areas of coastal West Bengal and Bangladesh at the time of landfall.

The weather office warned fishermen not to venture into the sea in north Bay of Bengal till May 27 morning.

The Met issued a red alert for West Bengal’s coastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas district on May 26 and 27.

It warned of 100 to 110 km per hour wind speed gusting to 120 kmph in South 24 Parganas and 90 to 100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph in North 24 Parganas on May 26-27, accompanied by extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places on both days.

An orange alert was issued for Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia and Purba Medinipur districts by the Met, warning of 80 to 90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph wind speed, accompanied by heavy to very heavy rain at one or two places on the two days.

The depression, which lies over the central Bay of Bengal, about 660 km south-southeast of Sagar island, is likely to concentrate into a cyclonic storm by May 25 morning, the Met said.

The weather office forecast heavy rain in Purba Medinipur on May 25, on which date elections are scheduled to be held in Tamluk and Kanti Lok Sabha constituencies located within the coastal district.

Moving in a northward direction, the system will further concentrate into a severe cyclonic storm by May 25 evening and cross the coast between Sagar Island and Khepupara around midnight of May 26, the weather office said.

Wind speed will reach 60 to 70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph over Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman and Paschim Medinipur districts, accompanied by heavy rain.
    
The rest districts in south Bengal will experience wind speed of 40 to 50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph, it said.

In north Odisha, the coastal districts of Balasore, Bhadrak and Kendrapara will receive heavy rain on May 26-27, while precipitation is likely in Mayurbhanj on May 27.

The IMD warned of localised flooding and major damage to vulnerable structures, power and communication lines, kutcha roads, crops and orchards in South and North 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal.

People in the affected areas have been asked to remain indoors and vacate vulnerable structures.

Scientists say cyclonic storms are intensifying rapidly and retaining their potency for longer periods due to warmer sea surface temperatures, a result of oceans absorbing most of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions.

The past 30 years have witnessed the highest sea surface temperatures since records started being maintained in 1880.

According to senior IMD scientist D S Pai, warmer sea surface temperatures mean more moisture, which is favourable for the intensification of cyclones.

Madhavan Rajeevan, former secretary of the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, said a sea surface temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and above is needed for a low-pressure system to intensify into a cyclone.

The sea surface temperature in the Bay of Bengal is around 30 degrees Celsius at present.

“The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are very warm at present, so a tropical cyclone can easily form,” Rajeevan said.

But tropical cyclones are not only controlled by the ocean but the atmosphere also plays an important role, especially in terms of vertical wind shear — a change in wind speed and/or wind direction with altitude.

    “A cyclone will not intensify if the vertical wind shear is very large. It will weaken,” Rajeevan said.

Will move higher court after summer vacation to challenge Calcutta HC order on OBC certificates: Mamata Banerjee

 I respect the courts, but a few judges are only following the diktats of the BJP and the CPI(M), says the Bengal Chief Minister
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

PTI, Calcutta, 24.05.24 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced that her government will approach a higher court, challenging the Calcutta High Court order that cancelled all OBC certificates issued in the state since 2010.

Addressing an election rally in Sagar in South 24 Parganas district, she said the state government would appeal to the higher court against the order after summer vacation.

“We do not accept the order that scrapped OBC certificates. We will contest at a higher court after summer vacation,” Banerjee said.

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday struck down as illegal the OBC status of several classes in the state granted since 2010, sparking a political debate in the middle of the Lok Sabha elections.

The court observed that the inclusion of 77 classes of Muslims in the list of backward categories was to “treat them as a vote bank”.

“I respect the courts, but a few judges are only following the diktats of the BJP and the CPI(M).” Banerjee urged electors “not to cast a single vote to the BJP or any other party except the TMC so that the INDIA bloc can form a government at the Centre”.

She also accused the BJP of planning to implement the Uniform Civil Code to “undermine” the rights of people belonging to the SC and ST community.

Banerjee appealed to the families of Haj pilgrims to vote judiciously, as the “implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) could disenfranchise citizens”.

She alleged that the BJP has “made attempts to disrespect women in Sandeshkhali, incite riots, and revoke reservations and employment rights of backward classes” and its only aim is to “defame TMC and Bengal”.

The TMC supremo accused the saffron camp of running advertisements to “mislead” people.

Banerjee said the ‘Gangasagar Mela’ must be recognised as a national fair, and claimed that her government is independently managing the annual affair while the “Centre has not been providing adequate support for it”.

She also promised completion of a bridge over the Muriganga river in the next 2-3 years, even though the “Centre has not provided support in the Rs 1,500 crore project”.

“You must come to vote even if there is rain,” she said at the rally, emphasising the need to defeat the BJP in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

A depression in the Bay of Bengal is likely to concentrate into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall between Sagar island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh around May 26 midnight, bringing heavy rain in the coastal districts of the state, the Met department said on Friday.

Banerjee’s comment came after it was found that voter turnout in the fifth round of polling in seven Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal was lower, as compared to the polling percentage in 2019, due to a two-hour rain.

Inclusivity and safety top mission: HMI scales new heights in mountaineering coaching

 The institute started a campaign to encourage the physically-challenged people to join mountaineering
Uday Kumar with Gp Capt JaiKishan at the summit of Mt Renok: Picture courtesy: HMI

Bitan Sikdar, Darjeeling, 24.05.24 : As the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) approaches its 70th anniversary in a few months, it is not only about scaling new heights in excellence but also about fostering inclusivity.

The institute started a campaign to encourage the physically-challenged people to join mountaineering.
One 36-year-old Uday Kumar from Calcutta, who had lost his left leg in a 2015 railway accident, climbed Mt. Renok at 16,500 feet in the Khangchendzonga National Park in March — with the support of HMI instructors. The expedition was led by Gp. Capt. JaiKishan, the principal of the HMI, and Kumar’s training and expenditure were sponsored by the HMI.

“Uday sustained all weights with his hands and negotiated the difficult terrains all along. We want to say if he can do it, anybody can do it. Adventure sports are for the divyangjan,” he said.

Currently, the institute has around 150 students in the mountains, with a special focus on encouraging women climbers.

One notable example is Neha Rai from Sikkim, who previously worked as a guide over there.

The HMI is also focussing on mountaineering education and safety.

For example, it has introduced lightweight equipment such as chest crawl, kong stretcher, the avalanche victim detector and some other equipment.

The avalanche victim detector (AVD) is also known as an avalanche transceiver. These are small, compact radios used to identify avalanche burial sites and they transmit electromagnetic signals that are picked up by another transceiver on the receive mode.

The AVD works in two modes — receiving and transmit or search mode, explained a trainee, Julian.

Similarly, a kong stretcher is made of durable and lightweight materials. With its help, it becomes easier for rescuers to act promptly in emergencies. This helps in secure and stable transport across difficult terrains — steep slopes or rocky surfaces.

It can be easily folded or strapped, facilitating rescuers to carry this without adding much weight to their load, she explained.

“With the help of these tools, it is now possible for a small rescue team of mountaineers to conduct a big rescue operation in high-altitude mountains,” said Rohit Sanga, another trainee at this institute.

Writers workshop on creative writing held in Kalimpong

Kalimnews, Kalimpong, 23 May 2024: People have lost interest in reading and writing, so to rekindle the love for the both and generate interest in reading and writing and sharpening their writing skills, a one-day creative writing workshop was organized at the Worship Center in Kalimpong.

Organized jointly by Kalimpong Christian Library and Himali Upasana Isai Kala Sarakshan Samity (Upasana Production), the workshop was held today in which training was imparted on creative writing and translation along with writing essays, articles, poetries and short stories.

70 young and old people participated in this workshop and according to the members of the workshop organizing committee, such a large number of participants was very much encouraging for smaller organisations.

In the workshop, the resource persons trained the participants by explaining about the important and essential points which initiates the art of writing, develops it and even could make it possible to pursue it as a profession. Rev. Solon Karthak, the well-known travelogue author and writer gave detailed information from his experiences during his delivery of keynote address on reading and creative writing.

In response to the growing disinterest in reading and writing, a one-day creative writing workshop was organized at the Worship Center in Kalimpong. The workshop aimed to rekindle a passion for reading and writing and to enhance participants’ writing skills. It was a joint effort by the Kalimpong Christian Library and Himali Upasana Isai Kala Sarakshan Samity (Upasana Production).

The workshop included training sessions on creative writing, translation, and composing essays, articles, poetry, and short stories. A total of 70 participants, both young and old, attended, which was a highly encouraging turnout for the organizing committee, indicating a strong community interest in such initiatives.

Resource persons provided essential guidance on initiating and developing writing skills, with a focus on the potential for writing as a professional pursuit. Rev. Solon Karthak, a well-known travelogue author and writer, delivered the keynote address. He shared his extensive experiences, offering detailed insights into the art of reading and creative writing, which inspired and informed the participants.

This workshop highlights the community’s effort to promote literacy and creative expression, ensuring that the love for reading and writing continues to thrive across generations.

In an effort to reignite interest in reading and writing, a one-day creative writing workshop was held at the Worship Center in Kalimpong. Organized by the Kalimpong Christian Library and Himali Upasana Isai Kala Sarakshan Samity (Upasana Production), the event focused on various forms of writing, including articles, essays, short stories, poetry, and translation.

Prominent figures in the literary field shared their expertise: Dr. Anjana Rai spoke on writing articles and essays, Elder Raju Rai, an editor and writer, provided insights into writing short stories, Ujjwal Prakash Bomjan, a poet and lyricist, explained the art of writing poetry. Dr. Abrona Lee Pandi from the English Department of Sikkim University discussed creative writing and translation skills.


To apply the skills learned, participants engaged in a writing competition in English and Nepali across four genres: essay, short story, poetry, and translation. Winners received book prizes, and all participants were awarded certificates. The winners included: Essay Writing: Edwin Rezom Aden (English) and Sunita Lama (Nepali)
Short Story Writing: Sharon Shreya Rai (English) and Tabita Sarki (Nepali), Poetry: Legain Phipon (English) and Grace Pakhrin Pulami (Nepali), Translation: Ananya Bomjan (English) and Nurzong Lepcha (Nepali).


The workshop was conducted by Asst. Professor Anukampa Subba, Head of the English Department at Kalimpong College, and began with a welcome address by Rev. J.S. Caleb Subba and a prayer by President Rev. Ruel Pakhrin. The event concluded with the announcement of winners by Jeenat Mary Lepcha and a thanksgiving by Rev. Lochan Kabo.

During the workshop, KCL secretary Yangden S. Ghising discussed the Kalimpong Christian Library, and film director Gyan Gurung shared information about an upcoming film by Himali Upasana Isai Kala Sankarsan Samiti (Upasana Production). Participants found the workshop effective and encouraging, contributing significantly to their writing skills and creative development..

कालेबुंगमा एक दिने सृजनात्मक लेखन कार्यशाला सम्पन्न

कालिमन्युज, कालेबुंग, २३ मई २०२४ : वर्तमान समयमा सर्वत्र पठन र लेखनमा चासो राख्नेहरुको संख्या दिनोदिन कम भैरहेको समय यसमा चासो जगाउने र पाठक अनि लेखक जन्माउन अनि उनीहरुमा लेखना कला भए तिखार्ने उद्धेश्यले कालेबुंगको वर्शिप सेन्टरमा एक दिने सृजनात्मक लेखन कार्यशाला आयोजना भयो |

कालेबुंग क्रिश्चियन लाइब्रेरी अनि हिमाली उपासना इसाई कला संरक्षण समिति (उपासना प्रोडक्सन) को संयुक्त आयोजनामा उक्त कार्यशाला आज सम्पन्न भयो जसमा गद्य, कविता, लघु कथा लेखन संगसंगै सृजनात्मक लेखन र अनुवाद बारे तालिम दिइएको थियो |   
यस कार्यशालामा ७० जना सहभागीहरुले भाग लिएका थिए  l यति ठुलो संख्यामा सहभागीहरुले भाग लिनु सम्भवत यस भेकको निम्ति प्रथम चोटि हुन सक्ने कार्यशाला आयोजक समितद्वयका ससस्यहरुले बताए   |
कार्यशालामा स्रोत व्यक्तिहरुले कसरी लेखन कलालाई जन्म दिने, विकाश गर्ने र यसलाई पेशा पनि बनाउने भन्नेबारे खुबै मुख्य र अति आवश्यकीय कुराहरु बताउदै तालिम दिए | श्रोत व्यक्तिहरुमध्ये चर्चित नियात्राका लेखक साहित्यकार रेभ सलोन कार्थकले सृजनात्मक पठन र लेखनको महत्वबारे आफ्नो अनुभवहरूबाट विस्तृत जानकारी गराउदै केही मुख्य बुँदाहरुको विषयमा व्याखा गरे |
गद्य लेखनबारे लेखक डा. श्रीमती अञ्जना राईले जानकारी गराए भने लघु कथा लेखनबारे सम्पादक एवं लेखक एल्डर राजु राईले साथै कवि औ गीतकार श्री उज्जवल बम्जनले कविता रचनाबारे तालिम दिए | 
सिक्किम युनिभर्सीटीको  अंग्रेजी विभागबाट आएका डा. अब्रोना ली पन्दीले सृजनात्मकता र अनुवाद साहित्यबारे बडो रोचक ढंगमा जानकारी गराए  |
सहभागीहरुले कार्यशालाको समय सिकेका कुराहरु र आफ्नो दक्षता अनुसार अभ्यासको निम्ति चारै विधा गद्य, लघु कथा, कविता अनि अनुवाद मा सहभागीहरुलाई अंग्रेजी र नेपाली दुवै भाषामा लेखन प्रतियोगिता गराइयो | प्रतियोगीहरुको मुल्यांकन श्रोत व्यक्तिहरुले गरे अनुसार सर्वश्रेष्ठ अनि उत्कृष्ट लेखनलाई प्रोत्साहन पुरस्कार प्रदान अनि सबै सहभागीहरुलाई प्रमाण पत्र वितरण गरियो |    
पुरस्कारहरुमा अग्रेजी भाषामा निबन्ध लेखनको निम्ति एडविन रेजोम आदेनलाई र नेपाली भाषामा निबन्ध लेखनको निम्ति सुनिता लामालाई सर्वश्रेष्ठ चयन गरियो भने अग्रेजी भाषामा लघु कथा लेखनको निम्ति स्यारोन श्रेया राईलाई र नेपाली भाषामा लघु कथा लेखनको निम्ति तबिता सार्कीलाई पुरष्कृत गरियो | अग्रेजी भाषामा कविता रचनाको निम्ति लिगेन फिपनलाई र नेपाली भाषामा कविता रचनाको निम्ति ग्रेस पाख्रीनलाई पुरष्कृत गरियो | उसरीनै अनुवादको निम्ति अग्रेजी भाषामा अनन्य बम्जनलाई र नेपाली भाषामा नर्जोङ लेप्चालाई पुरष्कृत गरियो । कार्यशाला खुबै प्रभावकारी अनि प्रोत्साहनात्मक भएको सहभागीहरुले जनाए |
कालेबुङ कलेजका अंग्रेजी विभागका एचओडी प्राध्यापक अनुकम्पा सुब्बाले संचालन गरेको कार्याशाला रेभ. जे.एस. कालेब सुब्बाको स्वागत सम्बोधन अनि अध्यक्ष रेभ. रुएल पाख्रिनको प्रार्थनाद्वारा आरम्भ भएको अनि जीनत मेरी लेप्चाद्वारा विजेताहरुको घोषणा र रेभ लोचन काबोद्वारा धन्यबाद ज्ञापन गरिएको थियो | कार्यशाला कै समय कालिम्पोङ क्रिश्चियन लाइब्रेरीबारे केसीएलका सचिव याङ्देन एस घिसिङले जनाए भने, फिल्म निर्देशक ज्ञान गुरुङले हिमाली उपासना इसाई कला संरक्षण समिति (उपासना प्रोडक्सन) को आगामी फिल्म बारे अवगत गराए |  

North Bengal-based online platform launches three new travel shows to boost homestays

 Homestaying.in, a north Bengal-based online platform which connects around 500 homestays in the hills and plains, has taken the initiative to offer accommodations which suit the requirements of tourists
A grab of the video released by homestaying.in shows Manpreet Kaur, a yoga instructor, performing a yoga session at a homestay in  the Darjeeling hills.: The Telegraph

Binita Paul, TT, Siliguri, 24.05.24 : A website dedicated to homestays in north Bengal has launched three new travel shows on its YouTube channel to draw more tourists to the region.

Homestaying.in, a north Bengal-based online platform which connects around 500 homestays in the hills and plains, has taken the initiative to offer accommodations which suit the requirements of tourists.

“We have released three new travel shows on our official YouTube channel. The idea is to popularise the local homestays and promote the tourism industry in north Bengal. The shows will feature three distinct hosts, taking the viewers for a travelling experience throughout the region,” said Prabhakar Thapa, the founder of homestaying.in.

He said the travel hosts were from different walks of life and would promote various homestays and travel destinations, particularly from the hilly region.

Among them, Priyanka Chakraborty is a travel content creator, Manpreet Kaur is a yoga instructor and Jigme Singh is a hotelier.

The travel shows, Thapa said, will have weekly episodes and have been introduced while keeping in mind the exponential growth of homestays.

Priyanka, who will run a show called ‘The Modern Traveller,’ will guide tourists to find popular tourist destinations, covering the colonial architecture built by the British.

Manpreet Kaur, on the other hand, will take tourists on a spiritual retreat. “People will know how to rejuvenate themselves during a trip. There will be sessions on sound healing,” she said.

Jigme, on the other hand, will showcase the local cuisine.

“Our region has its own food platter and we will motivate every individual to venture beyond their familiar territories in cuisine,” said the travel host.

Thapa, while elaborating on their activities, said through their website, tourists can find only homestays.

“There is no option for hotels. Through our website, they can filter their requirements. We have categories like tea bungalows, high-altitude stays, hostels, B&B, and camping sites. All these are being run by the local people,” he said.

Forest dept to monitor wildcats in North Bengal post monsoon

Dibyendu Sinha, MP, 20 May 2024, Jalpaiguri: The role of different species of wildcats is crucial in maintaining the balance of forests. To understand their lifestyle and contribution better, the Forest department is set to start special monitoring of wildcat species. 

This project will commence in the protected forest areas of North Bengal after the end of the monsoon season. 
Camera traps will be installed to track the movement of these species. According to Forest department sources, various species of wildcats often resemble leopards, sometimes causing unnecessary fear among people. 
This resemblance can lead to these animals facing human wrath. For instance, a few years ago in Latapota village of Mathabhanga, a wildcat mistaken for a leopard fell victim to such an incident. 
Forest department officials note that species like the marbled cat, golden cat and leopard cat play a significant role in protecting the forest environment. Therefore, the Forest department is launching this 
initiative in collaboration with the West Bengal Zoo Authority across the protected forest areas of North Bengal. Dwijaa Pratim Sen, Divisional Forest Officer of Gorumara Wildlife Division, said: “Trap cameras will be installed in forest areas of Gorumara National Park, Chapramari, Neoravalli, as well as Jaldapara, Buxa, Central Singalila, Mahananda Sanctuary and Kurseong once the monsoon ends. 
Cameras are already installed in several places and hundreds more will be set up for this special purpose. Through these cameras, different species of wildcats, including marbled cat, leopard cat and golden cat will be monitored. 
We aim to determine the number of species present and understand how the forest balance is being maintained for these species. Detailed information will be collected about their behavior and lifestyle.” 
Recently, a multi-level meeting was held regarding this initiative, with consultations from all reserved forest authorities. The officials of the Forest department in North Bengal have also held a meeting to discuss the plan further. 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/forest-dept-to-monitor-wildcats-in-north-bengal-post-monsoon-564587

North Bengal Med Hosp takes steps to curb brokering racket

MP, 20 May 2024, Siliguri: The hospital authorities have taken an initiative to make patients and their families aware of fraud by brokers in North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH). 
The hospital authorities will put up boards with awareness messages in this regard and contact numbers of hospital authorities will be mentioned on the boards. 
These boards will display awareness messages saying that if any broker demands any kind of money from the patient’s family, they should immediately report
matter to the officials of NBMCH. Along with this, the Rogi Sahayata Kendra (Patients help desk) and Grievance Cell have been operational round-the-clock. Patients’ families were asked to report any untoward matter to these cells as well. 
“We have made all kinds of arrangements to restrict brokering rackets inside the hospital. However, patients’ families do not inform us about the brokers and they usually come to us after they have lost their money,” said Dr Sanjay Mallick, Superintendent of NBMCH. 
He further said: “It is not possible to take action at that time which is why we request everyone to inform us immediately if any broker asks anyone for money. That will make it possible to take action in the moment.” 
A brokering racket has been going on here for many years. 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/north-bengal-med-hosp-takes-steps-to-curb-brokering-racket-564591