Category Archives: Regional

Regional, Sikkim

Danger looms over the Teesta and adjoining areas

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YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI,  KALIMPONG, JUNE 20, 2024 :  The continuous rains in Sikkim and Kalimpong caused the water level of Teesta river to rise today which led to flooding the road to Darjeeling. 

The construction work started by PWD a few days ago was also stopped today. Traffic has also been halted on this route. According to information provided by Kalimpong District Magistrate Balasubramanyam T, those flood affected families have been temporarily kept in a camp at Labarbote.
There are 31 flood affected families in the relief camp and they are being looked after by the Kalimpong district administration. 
However people still living in their houses express fear of a water burial as Teesta swells. water levels rise. 
Says a Malli resident, Mahendra Chowdhary: “There is an atmosphere of fear in Malli at night because all the buildings on Malli Road are on the edge of the Teesta River. I was awake till 3 am. 
Life has become horrible,’’ he said. In the same way, the National Highway-10, which is considered the lifeline of Sikkim and Kalimpong has been damaged because of the rains. 
Kalimpong district administration has restricted the movement of vehicles from 6 pm to 6 am at Malli Bridge, Ravi Jhoda and Likhuvir on National Highway-10 keeping in mind the safety of the people. 
Vehicles going to Siliguri from Sikkim and Kalipong were often seen taking an alternate route to Siliguri through Lava.Traffic police personnel were deployed at Chitra and Ravijhoda for direction to vehicles.
Regional

34 people die in Tamil Nadu after consuming illicit arrack

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PTI, Kallakurichi/Chennai, Jun 20, 2024 :  The entire Karunapuram locality in Kallakurichi on Thursday echoed with the wails of the family members of the victims of illicit arrack that claimed the lives of at least 34 people. About 100 others are undergoing treatment.

Following the tragedy in the state’s northern district, the opposition lashed out at the DMK while the ruling party said it should not be assumed such issues happened only during its regime.

While Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami demanded Chief Minister M K Stalin’s resignation, the CM said: “The Kallakurichi incident must not have happened and it has caused deep anguish to me.” The deaths were due to consumption of ‘methanol mixed arrack,’ he said, adding he has directed authorities to ensure special care to those being treated in hospitals.

Stalin, who held a meeting to review the situation, announced setting up of a one-man commission to be led by retired Madras High Court Judge B Gokuldas to make recommendations to the government on measures to be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents and also look into the reasons for the deaths.

Four people linked to the sale of the poisonous arrack have been arrested so far, Stalin said and declared Rs 10 lakh assistance to each of the families of the deceased. Also, he announced Rs 50,000 assistance to those who are being treated in hospitals.
The state Home Secretary and Director General of Police will submit a report on the hooch tragedy following inspection.

The CM assured tough action against those who provided methanol for making the spurious concoction that became poisonous.

The entire Karunapuram, which has witnessed the deaths, including that of two women and one transgender, wore a gloomy look.

Heart-wrenching scenes, including that of a sobbing young girl, anxious relatives awaiting a medical update on their near and dear ones and women wailing in the streets were witnessed in this nondescript locality.

Leader of Opposition (LoP), Edappadi K Palaniswami visited the affected people, including three children who have apparently lost both their parents.

According to locals, a contributing factor for the increase in death toll is the ‘initial denial’ of district authorities including police for several hours on Wednesday that the deaths, which were less than five at that time, were not due to ‘illicit arrack.’ Several others consumed illicit arrack and some of them had got stored in their houses.
Meanwhile, #Resign Stalin trended on social media platform ‘X’ and several users targeted the ‘Dravidian model’ tagline of the DMK regime by posting messages using the hashtag #Saraya model (arrack model).

State BJP president K Annamalai announced a state-wide protest on June 22 against the ‘incompetence’ of the DMK government in curbing illicit liquor.

While the CB-CID officials began their probe in Kallakurichi, Stalin said he had directed them to probe the source of methanol and its complete destruction at the local level. Authorities had already seized about 200 litres of illicit arrack and an analysis disclosed the presence of deadly methanol.

Health Minister Ma Subramanian and PWD Minister EV Velu are in Kallakurichi to render help to the affected people. District Collector MS Prasanth said 116 people were admitted in various government-run facilities and out of them 34 died.

Palaniswami alleged the point of sale of illicit arrack “is the central place of Kallakurichi, close to the police station and court.” The AIADMK chief claimed “36 people have died.”

Addressing reporters in Kallakurichi, he said there is a ‘big gang’ behind the sale of illicit arrack which also has the involvement of ‘powerful persons’ who belong to the ruling DMK. “Otherwise, could the sale of illicit arrack happen in the central locality of the town and near the police station?” he asked.

Expressing anguish and recalling similar past incidents, he said his party legislator M Senthil Kumar (Kallakurichi Assembly constituency) had days ago complained about the menace of illicit arrack to local police. However, no action was taken.
On March 29, 2023, Senthil Kumar had submitted a call attention motion with Assembly officials. However, it was not taken up, he alleged. Had this been debated and action taken, such deaths could have been averted. “Illicit liquor is flowing like a river in Tamil Nadu.”

Ruling DMK’s allies–CPI and MDMK demanded tough legal action against those involved in the episode.

The Kallakurichi incident comes a year after the death of 21 people in Villupuram and Chengalpet districts after consuming spurious liquor.
Regional, Sikkim

Kalimpong sees the debut of “Tara: The Lost Star” at Dream Theater

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KalimNews, Kalimpong, 20 June 2024 : Tara: the Lost Star, is finally being screened at Dream Theater in Kalimpong. The film was released across India, starting from Sikkim to the northeastern states and beyond, since June 14, 2024. Directed by Samten Bhutia, the film is co-produced by Sabitri Chettri and actor Shyama Shree Sherpa. It is presented by SaDa Productions in association with Passang Mintok Films. Several crew members including actor Shyama Shree Sherpa were present today at Kalimpong and addressed the press.


This film has made history as the first film from Sikkim to debut at the Marché Du Film, the official film market of the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival. The 77th Annual Cannes International Film Festival was attended by the actor cum producer Shyama Shree Sherpa.

Completed in about seven months, the film is 1.5 hours long. Tara: the Lost Star, was filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of Gnathang-Memenchu near Changu Lake in Sikkim. It encapsulates the essence of Sikkim’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, representing the creative synergy and cultural richness of the region.

The film features popular artists from Sikkim, Nepal, and Darjeeling. It is a Nepali-language feature film that offers a glimpse into the beliefs of the Himalayas and the vibrant culture of Sikkim. It is a social drama about the struggle between superstitious beliefs and medical science, and one woman’s fight for freedom from religious constraints.


Actors Shyama Shree Sherpa (Tara), Sushmita Bhujel (Manita), Nityam Bhattarai (Kale), Shashikala Pradhan (Sanmaya), Basanta Sharma (Kishor), Anand Gurung (Pema), Timothy Rai (Dhupaure) are from Sikkim, while Kiran Dahal (Suman) and Loonibha Tuladhar (Kopila) are from Nepal. Deoraj Sherpa (Agam), a well-known actor from Darjeeling, is also part of the team. Sikkim’s Prasant Rasaily and Pramod Karki contributed to the background score and cinematography, respectively.

Tara: the Lost Star, follows the journey of 21-year-old Tara, who resides in a scenic and secluded village near Gangtok, Sikkim. Since childhood, she has grappled with dissociative trance disorder, which frequently results in seizures. While her father advocates for medical treatment to alleviate her condition, her mother holds steadfastly to a contrasting belief. 

Blinded by unfounded faith and prejudice, she perceives Tara as a reincarnation of the revered goddess “Mata,” a belief ingrained since Tara’s youth. Consequently, she seeks spiritual intervention from a shaman rather than embracing medical solutions. Tara finds herself torn between her parents’ divergent perspectives as she navigates the complexities of her existence. 


A reserved individual by nature, Tara silently witnesses their disputes concerning her well-being, feeling powerless. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when her friend Manita provides unwavering support, and she discovers comfort and affection in her classmate, Suman. In this tumultuous environment, Tara begins to discover her voice for the first time.

Despite the village’s proximity to modern civilization, the film sheds light on a world often overlooked or misunderstood by outsiders. 

The performances of its two lead actors, along with those of other supporting actors in this tale of a young couple’s struggles, are highly praised in the film Tara: the Lost Star. Not only the story but also the dialogue in the local language, and the cinematography played significant roles in it. Technically, the location, makeup, and lighting are well-managed and executed superbly in the film.
Regional

Elephants Rescued from Teesta River Torrents in Successful Operation

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Dibyendu Sinha, MP, 19 June 2024, Jalpaiguri: Two elephants, along with a cub, were washed away while crossing an overflowing river on Tuesday night in the Teesta Barrage area adjacent to Baikunthapur Forest. 

After several hours of efforts, forest workers, with the help of barrage workers, rescued the elephants by opening the gate of the Gajoldoba Teesta Barrage. According to a source from the Belakoba Range of the Baikunthapur Forest Division, a herd of around 100 elephants has been in the Belakoba Forest for the past few weeks. Occasionally, the group travels across the Teesta River for food. 
On Tuesday night, the group was in the Milan Palli area near the Teesta River. While crossing the river, some members of the group were swept away. 
Belakoba Range Officer Chiranjit Pal said: “Two other elephants jumped into the water to rescue the cub. Three elephants floated near the barrage. After this, the elephants were rescued with the help of barrage staff.
There were about eleven elephants in the group. The group is being monitored.” Meanwhile, Teesta Barrage staff Prafulla Bala said: “At 12 o’clock in the night, three elephants got stuck at gate number 15 of the barrage. 
The three elephants were also hurt by the water and the lock gate. As soon as the matter was noticed, the local residents and forest workers were informed. Attempts were made to rescue them, but it was not possible due to high water levels. 
Finally, the gate had to be opened, and the elephants floated away. Later on, the elephants managed to get up on the other side of the river.” 
Although the water levels of the Teesta and Jaldhaka rivers have slightly reduced, communication between Angrabhasa and Banku Bazar has been cut off due to the breakdown of the culvert under construction in the Chachar Jhora area in Banarhat Block. 
Water has entered several Gram Panchayat areas. 
“There is a possibility of heavy rain lashing the northern districts for the next four to five days. An orange alert has been issued for Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling,” said Gopinath Raha, an official of the Sikkim Meteorological department. 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/elephants-rescued-after-being-swept-away-by-overflowing-teesta-568609
Regional, Sikkim

Rescue operations in North Sikkim end with evacuation of remaining 158 stranded tourists

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PTI, Gangtok, Jun 19, 2024 :  The rescue operations in North Sikkim ended on Wednesday with the evacuation of the remaining 158 stranded tourists, a senior official said.
   
Mangan District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri said that all the 1,447 stranded tourists have been evacuated in the last three days. A total of 1,225 tourists were rescued on Tuesday and 64 on Monday.

“With the rescue of 158 tourists on the third and final day of the operation, we have evacuated all the 1,447 stranded tourists,” he said.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said that the 1,447 tourists have been sent back to their respective destinations.
 
“The incessant rainfall from June 12-14, 2024, caused by a cloudburst in North Sikkim, had left a total of 1,447 tourists stranded in Mangan district… All of them have now been successfully evacuated and sent back to their respective destinations through extensive rescue operations,” he said.

The CM thanked all those who were involved in the rescue operation and to the tourists for their patience during the challenging time.

Chettri said the tourists, who were holed up in Lachung for several days, were evacuated to Mangan town via Chungthang.
 
Most of the tourists were transported to state capital Gangtok in vehicles provided by the transport department, Chettri said.
 
Besides the district administration and police, BRO, NDRF, SDRF, Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim (TAAS), local panchayats and volunteers were involved in the rescue operation.
 
Mangan district is known for popular tourist spots like Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley.

At least six people have been killed in Sikkim due to landslides triggered by heavy rain over the last few days. The natural calamity has also damaged properties and disrupted power and food supplies and mobile networks in several areas, officials said.

Around 1,500 tourists, including some foreigners, were stranded in Lachung town due to the landslides.
The road network in Mangan district has become severely damaged, with the district magistrate ordering the closure of schools in 10 clusters of Mangan and Dzongu blocks till further orders.
 
The Border Roads Organisation has been working to clear the roads and restore connectivity.
 
PIB, 19 JUN 2024, Gangtok : Despite incessant rains and inclement weather the last batch of 150 tourists was evacuated from North Sikkim on 19 Jun. Trishakti Corps, responsible has been working relentlessly to assist the civil administration and locals in the evacuation of the 1200 tourists that got stranded in North Sikkim since 12/13 Jun 24.Due to incessant rains and landslides at a number of places, evacuation of the stranded tourists could begin only on the 17th. The tourists had to cross the sites of landslides on foot and travel in vehicles on the stretches in between wherever road connectivity existed.
Out of the 150 tourists that were evacuated on 19th Jun, many needed medical care & walking assistance during their evacuation. Three persons requiring urgent medical support were given treatment at Military Hospital and then safely moved on stretchers.The tourists were shifted utilising all resources including two wheelers and carried on backs.
Every year number of times due to sudden snowfall, excessive rainfall, landslides and road closure, the tourists get stranded in the border areas and then Army soldiers do their best to rescue the tourists, providing food, shelter, medical comfort and bringing them to safety. 
 
Indian Army while guarding the borders in the Himalayas is always proactive in providing assistance to the tourists & local populations.
Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Nighttime Restrictions Implemented for All Vehicles on NH10

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KalimNews, Kalimpong, 19 June 2024: The district administration of Kalimpong has imposed restrictions on all vehicular movement along NH10 during nighttime hours. In a notification issued today by Balasubramanian T, District Magistrate of Kalimpong, it has been announced that the movement of all vehicles, including heavy vehicles and small vehicles, is prohibited from 6 pm to 6 am, effective immediately until further notice.

The decision comes in response to significant damage caused by recent heavy rainfall near Melli Bridge, Rabi Jhora, and Likhu Veer along NH10. These measures are necessary to facilitate repairs and ensure the safety and security of the public.

However, the administration has allowed for the movement of heavy vehicles, including buses, from Seti Jhora to Rangpoo and vice versa via NH10 during daytime hours from 6 am to 6 pm until further notice. Similarly, small vehicles are permitted to travel this route from 6 am to 8 pm.

Additionally, it has been advised to maintain single-lane traffic at Bhalu Khola, Gareri Khola, Rabi Jhora, and Likhu bhir.

For diversions, small vehicles are recommended to take alternative routes from Rangpoo towards Siliguri via Munsong, 17 Mile, Algarah, Lava, and Gorubathan, operational round the clock. Heavy goods vehicles, buses, and small vehicles can use the Reshi-Pedong-Algarah-Lava-Gorubathan route to Siliguri and vice versa, also accessible 24/7.

Police (Traffic) will enforce necessary restrictions at Rangpoo Check post, Melli Bazaar, Chitrey, 29 Mile, and at the district border along NH10 to assist with the route diversions.

Regional, Sikkim

Air evacuation of stranded tourists called off due to inclement weather

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Amitava Banerjee, MP, 16 June 2024, Darjeeling: The air evacuation of around 1,200 tourists (as per official records) from North Sikkim, especially Lachen did not take place as per schedule on Sunday owing to inclement weather. 

Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) has directed all travel agencies, especially those whose guests are stranded in North Sikkim, to reach Mangan in North Sikkim on Tuesday. This decision was made after the Dzomsa Pipon and Hotel Association, with the help of the minister and area MLA Samdup Lepcha, closely monitored the road status in Mangan district. 
“As the road condition till Tung is favourable (an air evac is not possible), tourists will be evacuated till Tung and then onto Mangan on foot as there are 3 to 4 landslides enroute. From Mangan the respective travel agencies will have to take responsibility to tranship them to Gangtok,” stated Ramesh Basnet, president, TAAS. 
Around 360 tourists are reportedly stranded and have been given refuge at the Chungthang Gurudwara. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working on a war footing to restore the roads.
“Around 700 personnel and 20 excavators are deployed to address the issue of multiple landslides, ensuring faster communication to Mangan, North Sikkim,” stated a post from the spokesperson, Ministry of Defence. 
As rains continued unabated, National Highway 10 was shut down for a few hours on Sunday with rock slides on the road at Likhubhir. 
Though the debris were cleared and the road opened to vehicular traffic, the Kalimpong district administration and police made an appeal to vehicles traveling between Gangtok, Sikkim and Siliguri to use alternate routes via Kalimpong instead of taking risks of using the NH10, vulnerable to rock slides owing to the incessant rainfall. 
At around 8:30 am on Sunday vehicles were diverted from Sikkim and Siliguri from the Rangpoo and Coronation Bridge respectively owing to boulder slides at Likhubhir. At around 1:30 pm the road opened up, with the debris being cleared. “As the falling of boulders is intermittent, for the general safety public are requested to avoid the NH10 and use the alternative routes,” stated Balasubramanian T, District Magistrate, Kalimpong.
The Kalimpong to Darjeeling road via Teesta Bazar, Lopchu is still closed. Meanwhile Raju Bista, MP, visited the flood affected areas of Teesta Bazar on Saturday. Bista stated that given the strategic significance of the region, particularly in terms of national security, he has requested for a central team to assess the situation and take necessary actions to fix the damages at the earliest. 
“The Central government has allocated Rs 500 crore towards addressing the immediate repair and restoration of National Highway 10 (NH-10). Further, the Central government is preparing a DPR under the supervision of scientific and terrain experts for rebuilding NH-10 and expanding it by further 10 m, for which a budget of Rs 2000 crore will be additionally sanctioned,” claimed Bista in a media release. 
“Raju Bista has to stop the blame game. When the flash flood had struck on October 4, 2023, the GTA had done everything possible. The regions have been voting for the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections for the past 20 years. 
What did the BJP-led Central government do? They did not give any funds nor did they declare this as a national disaster,” stated Anit Thapa, chief executive, GTA. 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/air-evacuation-of-stranded-tourists-called-off-due-to-inclement-weather-568177
Politics, Regional

Bimal Gurung to take legal recourse after High Court order

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EOI, DARJEELING, JUNE 16, 2024 : After the Calcutta High Court order to include his name in the charge sheet filed by the CBI in the Madan Tamang murder case, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha President Bimal Gurung on Saturday said he would take legal recourse while asserting he was innocent. In August 2017, the City Sessions Court discharged Gurung’s name from the list of accused filed by the Central agency. 

However, on Thursday, the court of Justice Subhendu Samanta of Calcutta High Court set aside the ruling of the City Sessions Court, requiring Gurung to stand trial again. “Bimal Gurung stands for Gorkhaland. I will continue to raise my voice for a separate state. However, certain quarters feel that if Bimal Gurung is sidelined then the statehood demand will automatically subside. I am the only poison standing in their path and they are trying to find ways to suppress me,” he said.
The All India Gorkha League leader was murdered in broad daylight on May 21, 2010 at the Upper Clubside area while overseeing preparation for a public meeting. Initially, the local police started investigating. 
Later the probe was taken up by the CID. The CID named several accused in its chargesheet but did not include Gurung’s name, prompting Tamang’s wife Bharati to file a writ petition seeking a CBI inquiry. 
The CBI in its chargesheet named 54 accused including Gurung, his wife Asha and several senior party leaders. Gurung said he had no animosity with the family of the deceased.
In fact it was him who had raised the demand for a Central investigation. “It (murder) was very unfortunate. I can understand the sentiments of the family of the deceased. However, I was the one to raise the demand for a CBI inquiry and wrote to the government and strict punishment to the perpetrators of the crime. I am not selfish and am working for my community with sincerity,” he said.
Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

CM Sikkim asks Centre to manage Sevoke – Rangpo stretch of NH 10

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SUJAL PRADHAN, EOI, GANGTOK, JUNE 16, 2024 : Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang on Sunday called upon the Centre to manage the stretch of the National Highway 10 from Sevoke to Rangpo. His demand followed his visit to the border town of Melli on Saturday where he assessed the significant damage caused by flash floods and the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood of October 3 last.

Talking to newspersons, the Chief Minister highlighted the critical condition of the 50-kmstretch of NH 10 running along the banks of the Teesta River in West Bengal. “The road from Sevoke near Siliguri to the Rangpo border in Sikkim, although part of NH 10,is maintained by the West Bengal Government. While the funding is provided by the Union government, Sikkim does not receive the necessary support under state management,” Golay said.
The Chief Minister pointed out that, in contrast, the road from Rangpo to Gangtok was managed as a National Highway by Central agencies. This allowed for better maintenance and support. He stressed that the current condition of the stretch of the road under the management of West Bengal was in adequate; particularly in view of its strategic importance.
“This road is vital for Sikkim and the Indian army, given Sikkim’s strategic border position.
Heavy vehicles struggle on these precarious roads, causing a rise in goods prices due to detours through Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts,” Golay explained
Politics, Regional

For NH 10 restoration, Centre allots Rs 500 crore, to sanction Rs 2,000 crore to rebuild it: Raju Bista

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Darjeeling MP to request PM’s intervention to protect people living along Teesta banks

PRASHANT ACHARYA and YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG / SILIGURI,JUNE 15, 2024 : The Centre has allocated Rs 500 crore towards addressing the immediate repair and restoration of National Highway – 10 and is preparing a detailed project report under the supervision of scientific and terrain experts for rebuilding NH-10,and expanding it by further10 meters, for which a budget of Rs 2000 crores will be additionally sanctioned, Darjeeling M. P. Raju Bista said on Saturday.

He assured that he would approach the Centre and the West Bengal Government, Niti Aayog, National Disaster Management Authority to help solve the problems they were facing. 
During the day, Bista visited villages situated along river Teesta and interacted with people whose lives had been upturned due to the devastating flood in Teesta. 
“This year’s unusually heavy pre-monsoon rains have led to further devastating consequences in our Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Sikkim region,” he said. 
During the visit, he expressed his condolences to the families who had lost their loved ones and his solidarity with those who had been displaced or had lost their homes and livelihood due to the ongoing rains.
“The relentless rains and resulting damage highlight he region’s vulnerability, ”he said. 
“During this challenging time, it is crucial for the Centre, State, and local bodies such as Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, Panchayat Samiti, and Panchayats to collaborate effectively in responding to this unfolding disaster,”Bista told reporters at Teesta. 
He said: “In a federal structure like ours, responsibilities are divided between the Centre and the State under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DMA2005). 
Each state, headed by the Chief Minister through the State Disaster Management Authorities(SDMAs), is mandated to formulate and coordinate disaster response efforts based on national guidelines.
Under Chapter II Section26 (35) of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Act of 2011, disaster management, relief and rehabilitation are GTA’s transferred subjects. It is therefore primarily GTA’s responsibility to focus on disaster risk reduction and mitigation in our region.
However, it remains unclear whether GTA has established a dedicated body such as GTA Disaster Management Authority(GTA-DMA) or the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), as required under the DMA2005. Because of all this, thousands of people have continued to suffer. 
Double tragedy has struck the people who had become victims of the Teesta Floods of October 2023, and who are yet to receive any help from the West Bengal Government. Neither have they declared the Teesta Floods as “disaster”, which would have allowed Rs 120crore of SDR Funds to be used towards the rehabilitation of the people here.” 
Bista said he had formally requested intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority, outlining the failure of the West Bengal Government to adequately protect lives and livelihoods along the Teesta River.
“Given the strategic significance of the region, particularly in terms of national security, I have also requested for a Central team to assess the situation and take necessary actions to fix the damage at the earliest, ”he said. 
Bista also suggested people should start ‘Teesta Aarati’ like Ganga Aarati along river Teesta to pray river God for the savior from natural disaster.
Regional, West Bengal

Monsoon to advance into whole of north Bengal in few days, heavy rain likely: Met department

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While the sub-Himalayan districts are facing disruption in a few areas owing to heavy rain, some districts in south Bengal are likely to experience heatwave and severe heatwave conditions for the next few days, the weather office said

PTI, Calcutta, 14.06.24 : The southwest monsoon is likely to advance into the whole of sub-Himalayan West Bengal and some parts of Gangetic West Bengal in the next four to five days, the Met Department said on Friday.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places is very likely to continue over the state’s northern districts, which are reeling under relentless downpour for the past few days.

While the sub-Himalayan districts are facing disruption in a few areas owing to heavy rain, some districts in south Bengal are likely to experience heatwave and severe heatwave conditions for the next few days, the weather office said.

It also warned of landslides in the hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.

The water level is likely to rise in rivers flowing through the sub-Himalayan districts, including Teesta, Jaldhaka, Sankosh and Torsa, it said.

The Met Department recommended regulation of traffic and avoiding movement in landslide-prone areas in the hills.

In the past 24 hours till 8.30 am on Friday, Rongo in Kalimpong district recorded the highest rainfall in West Bengal at 150 mm, followed by Alipurduar (140 mm), Jhalong (140 mm), Dhupguri (120 mm), Sevoke (100 mm), Pundibari (100 mm) and Champasari (80 mm), it said.

The weatherman forecast heavy to very heavy rain in Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts in the next few days, with extremely heavy rainfall in Alipurduar district till Saturday.
Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Alert in north Bengal after rain wreaks havoc in Sikkim

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PTI, Kolkata, Jun 14, 2024 :  Following incessant rainfall causing devastation in neighbouring Sikkim resulting in overflowing of the Teesta river, the West Bengal Irrigation department issued an alert for the northern districts of the state, an official said on Friday.

    
The release of water from the barrages has resulted in rising the water level of the Teesta and because of that there is a threat of flood in areas on both sides of Teesta in Jalpaiguri district, he said.
     
Teesta is one of the major rivers of the state, and Jalpaiguri district is in the floodplain of this river. A barrage across the river was built at Gajoldoba in the district. Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts in the northern part of West Bengal share borders with Sikkim where rain-triggered landslides left a trail of destruction and six dead people on Thursday.
    
“The water of Teesta is rising because of the release of water from barrages in Sikkim. Teesta is coming down with great speed and an alert has been issued in this regard. We have taken all precautionary measures. Leaves of all the officials have been cancelled,” the official told PTI.
    
The Jalpaiguri district administration has been using public address system asking inhabitants near the Teesta to move to higher land, he said, adding that the fishermen were advised not to venture into the river.
    
“In several places, Teesta is almost getting into townships. So much water is coming down from the mountain that it is not possible for the barrage to stop that. As a result, plain lands will be affected. Irrigation department officials have been sent for on-site inspection,” he added.
    
When contacted, an official of the Jalpaiguri Sadar Sub-Divisional office said the alert has been sounded in all blocks.
    
“Everything from boats to rescue equipment has been kept ready. Residents have been asked to leave river banks,” he said.
    
On Thursday, a sub-divisional magistrate went to Maynaguri to review the flood situation of the Jaldhaka River, he said, adding that the administration is working to evacuate the villagers of Odlabari gram panchayat to a safe distance.
    
In neighbouring Sikkim, at least six people were killed and 1,500-odd tourists stranded as massive landslides triggered by incessant rainfall caused devastation in Mangan district on Thursday.
    
A newly-constructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang collapsed snapping the link between Mangan with Dzongu and Chungthang. Landslides blocked stretches of roads and several houses were inundated or damaged, while electricity poles were swept away.
Regional

Kalimpong flood victims demand protection wall, compensation

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YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, 14 JUNE 2024 : The Kalimpong district administration called an emergency meeting on Friday to deal with the Teesta disaster. The meeting was held at the Tourist Lodge in Chitre. Kalimpong Block-1 BDO Simrul Islam, Sabasad Sinora Namchu, Block-1 Panchayat Committee Chairman Mamata Gurung and other officials of PWD and NHPC were present in the meeting. 

After the first phase of the administrative meeting was held at the tourist lodge in Chitre, in the second phase, the officials held a meeting with the flood victims at the Community Hall in Teesta. In the meeting, the flood victims presented their grievances to the authorities. BDO Simrul Islam while informing about the initiatives being taken by the administration for the people of
Teesta said that the effects of the floods that occurred in the Teesta area on October 4 were still present. Hence the demand of Teesta flood victims was protection wall and compensation. 
“In the past, in the administrative meeting called by the Chief Minister in Kurseong, we had given compensation to 270 Teesta flood affected families,” he said. Besides, 104 Teesta flood affected families would get NHPC compensation soon after Gorkhaland Territorial Administration had inspected the area, he said. 
Moreover, he said that the Kalimpong District Collector has written to the PWD to raise the height of the road from below Teesta Bridge to Ravi Jhoda and the work would start soon. He also said that the families who had already received compensation from NHPC had been informed that they would not get compensation again through NHPC. 
In the afternoon the PWD officials, senior engineers, Kalimpong District Magistrate Balasubramaniam T and Kalimpong District Superintendent of Police Srihari Pandey inspected Teesta Bridge, Ravi Jhoda, Likhubhir and other flood affected areas. 
Balasubramaniam T informed ongoing works would be inspected and short-term and long-term actions would be planned to improve the.safety of the stretches of the NH-10.
Crime, Politics, Regional

Calcutta HC asks CBI to include GJM’s Bimal Gurung in murder case of Madan Tamang murder case chargesheet

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EOI & PTI, DARJEELING, JUNE 13, 2024 : The Calcutta High Court on Thursday set aside the discharge order of the City Sessions Court given to Bimal Gurung in 2017 in connection with the Madan Tamang murder case.

The City Sessions Court order removed the name of Bimal Gurung from the list of accused persons. Tamang, who headed the All India Gorkha League was hacked to death in broad daylight on May 21, 2010 near the Upper Clubside area while overseeing preparation for a public meeting. 
Along with Gurung who is the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha president 53 others had been named as accused in the CBI charge sheet. 
Initially, the CID was investigating the case but in late2010, Tamang’s wife Bharati filed a petition demanding a CBI probe. The CBI filed a chargesheet against the 54 accused, including Gurung his wife Asha and other senior GJM leaders. However, in August 2017,the City Sessions Court in Kolkata discharged Gurung from the CBI chargesheet list of accused in the murder case. 
Bharati and the CBI filed a revision writ petition in Kolkata High Court, challenging the verdict. The court of Justice Subhendu Samanta on Thursday set aside the verdict of the City Sessions Court, paving the way for a criminal revision on Gurung.” 
Now he (Gurung) will again have to stand trial as an accused in the Tamang murder case. After the 2017 verdict, except Gurung, all others were appearing trial in the court,” said a source. 
Amar Lama who is the brother of the deceased and was pursuing the case regularly said: “With the verdict of the HC today, now the way is open for Gurung’s trial”. 
Incidentally, Hamro Party leader Ajoy Edwards has offered Bharati to pursue the murder case of the slain AIGL leader.
PTI, Kolkata, Jun 13, 2024 :  The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the CBI to include the name of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supremo Bimal Gurung in the charge sheet in the murder case of Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League (ABGL) chief Madan Tamang in 2010.

    A Kolkata court in 2017 removed the name of Gurung from the list of the accused persons. Tamang’s wife Bharti challenged the order in the high court.

    Tamang was hacked to death in Darjeeling on May 21, 2010 in broad daylight when he was overseeing preparations for a public meeting.

    Stating that the City Sessions court judge committed an error by separating Gurung from the other accused person, Justice Subhendu Samanta of the high court directed the CBI probing the murder case to include Gurung’s name in the charge sheet.

    “Complicity against Bimal Gurung has been sufficiently established,” Justice Samanta said in his order.

    Gurung’s counsel had argued before the City Sessions Court that his client was in Kalimpong the day Tamang was murdered, and that the CBI had no proof against him.

    “The charge of this case is required to be framed against Bimal Gurung with other accused persons. The alleged portion of the impugned order passed by the Learned Chief Judge of City Sessions Court through which Bimal Gurung was discharged from this case is hereby set aside,” the order read.

    Bimal Gurung, his wife Asha and several other senior leaders of the GJM had surrendered before a sessions court in Kolkata on December 21, 2016, in connection with the murder case. They were granted bail by the court.

Regional, Sikkim

Level of Teesta rises again, people shift to safer areas: Panic in Kalimpong

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YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, JUNE 13, 2024 : There was panic in the flood affected areas of Teesta and Malli on Thursday, with the rise in the level of water of river Teesta following incessant rains in north Sikkim. 

People in the flood-hit areas of Teesta and Malli were forced to move to other places with their important papers and other materials. 
The road communication between Kalimpong and Darjeeling was disrupted as the road below Teesta Bazar connecting with Peshok Road was submerged by the rising water level of river Teesta.There was no traffic all day. 
Kalimpong District Magistrate Balasubramaniam T, said due to heavy rains in the upper part of Sikkim, the water level in river Teesta River had increased and some places like Ravi Jhora and Teesta Bazar roads have been submerged under water. 
Traffic had been stopped from Teesta Bazar and Peshok towards Darjeeling. The traffic from Malli to Chitre had also been stopped due to cracks on the road surface. Traffic diversions had been done accordingly. 

People were worried in the absence of any effort on the part of the government to help the affected people. They were more worried as people were yet to get a by relief for the damage they suffered in the massive Teesta flood in October last year. 
“Is there no administration or a government,” people were asking. “If such a situation occurs in the beginning of monsoon, what will happen in the coming days? Where do we go? It has been almost a year since the flood in Teesta and we haven’t received anything yet. Our houses had been swept away. We are staying at our son’s house. Even this house was flooded in today’s rain. We are remembered only when there is a vote. We have nothing to do with the government,” a flood victim of Teesta said, weeping. 
The District Magistrate said, however, there was no major loss to any property. People were being constantly alerted and kept informed about the rising level of water. “All our flood shelters are ready, no one has moved into the flood shelter yet. Rainfall and water levels are being continuously monitored.” 
He said that civil security personnel and special police teams had been mobilized at strategic locations for necessary monitoring and surveillance. Disaster management teams at districts and block levels were actively monitoring the situation and the control room was active 24 hours a day’ of voters.
Regional, Sikkim

Sikkim disaster: 6 Lives Lost, 1,500 Tourists Stranded as landslides, rain wreak havoc in Sikkim

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PTI, Gangtok, 14 June 2024 :  At least six people were killed and 1,500-odd tourists stranded as massive landslides triggered by incessant rainfall caused devastation in northern Sikkim’s Mangan district, officials said on Thursday.

A newly-constructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang collapsed snapping the link between Mangan with Dzongu and Chungthang. Landslides blocked stretches of roads and several houses were inundated or damaged, while electricity poles were swept away, they said.

Towns such as Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung in Mangan district known for popular tourist spots like Gurudongmar Lake and Yunthang Valley have now been cut off from the rest of the country. 

Three persons each died in Pakshep and Ambhithang  villages,”  Mangan District  Magistrate  Hem  Kumar Chettri said. 

A number of houses were damaged in Geythang and Nampathang. A relief camp has been set up at Pakshep for the displaced people, Chettri said.

The district magistrate also held a meeting with other officials to take stock of the situation following the incessant rainfall in and around Mangan District since Wednesday night and instructed them to carryout rescue and relief works. 

Mobile network services were affected in North Sikkim even as a request was made by the district administration to send an SDRF team with ration to Mangan, the officials said. 

Regional

Kalimpong’s multi-level car parking arena nears completion, inauguration due in few months

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 The parking lot, sources said, is coming up in the Ninth Mile area of Kalimpong town. It was taken up in 2013 with a project cost of ₹17 crore but remained unfinished for years because of encroachment. Till 2018, only the ground floor of the proposed three-storied structure had been built

Bireswar Banerjee, TT,  Kalimpong, 13.06.24 : In Kalimpong, vehicles are parked on the roadside. As a result, four-wheelers move at a snail’s pace, particularly during rush hours.
In Kalimpong, vehicles are parked on the roadside. As a result, four-wheelers move at a snail’s pace, particularly during rush hours.: File picture
The Kalimpong civic administration has said the construction of a multi-level car parking arena here is almost complete and the facility will be inaugurated in a few months.

“As of now, construction of the ramps is in progress. It will end in a couple of months and we have plans to open the space in September. The parking area will accommodate around 200 four-wheelers and an equal number of two-wheelers,” Ravi Pradhan, the chairman of the board of administrators (BoA) at the Kalimpong municipality, said.

The parking lot, sources said, is coming up in the Ninth Mile area of Kalimpong town. It was taken up in 2013 with a project cost of ₹17 crore but remained unfinished for years because of encroachment. Till 2018, only the ground floor of the proposed three-storied structure had been built.

This made the civic body and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) intervene. They took the task of providing houses to eight families who were staying at the proposed site.

The civic body has also identified some other spots in different locations of the town where new parking lots can be developed for smooth traffic in the town.

In Kalimpong, vehicles are parked on the roadside. As a result, four-wheelers move at a snail’s pace, particularly during rush hours.

Courtesy & source- The Telegraph