Economy, West Bengal

WBSEDCL converts domestic connections to commercial

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Dibyendu Sinha, MP, 30 May 2024, Jalpaiguri: The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) has repeatedly stated that e-rickshaws cannot be charged on domestic supply connections. Despite this, e-rickshaws continue to be charged on domestic lines in districts, including Jalpaiguri town. 

The Jalpaiguri Regional Office of the WBSEDCL has taken a different approach to halt this practice. 
Without imposing penalties or legal actions, the electricity connections of houses where e-rickshaws are being charged are being converted to commercial connections. Already, 150 to 200 domestic connections have been converted to commercial connections in the district. 
From urban to rural roads, e-rickshaws have become essential vehicles. However, with time, their numbers are increasing. 
According to sources from Jalpaiguri Municipality, 10,000 to 12,000 e-rickshaws ply on the streets of Jalpaiguri town daily. Most of these e-rickshaws are charged using the domestic electricity connections of houses. 
The Jalpaiguri office of the WBSEDCL mentioned that a typical house consumes around 1 kilowatt or slightly more electricity. 
However, electricity load is provided based on the consumer’s application and materials such as power cables are installed accordingly. 
However, due to e-rickshaw charging on these connections without informing the office, the increased pressure is damaging transformers. 
Additionally, the cost of electricity per unit is higher for commercial connections compared to domestic ones, resulting in financial losses for the office. Sanjay Mondal, Jalpaiguri Regional Manager of WBSEDCL, stated: “Charging e-rickshaws commercially is necessary. 
Despite warnings against charging them on domestic lines, the practice persists. Legal action can be taken against offenders. 
However, instead of pursuing legal action, we are increasing awareness and converting domestic lines to commercial ones to handle the load. Meter readers identify houses charging e-rickshaws, and our staff promptly change the connections upon receiving this information.” 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/wbsedcl-converts-domestic-connections-to-commercial-565980
Crime, Regional

Gun & bullets stolen from bank in SBI Bairampur

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MP, 30 May 2024, Cooch Behar: A security guard’s gun and bullets were stolen from the Balrampur branch of the State Bank under the Tufanganj Police Station in Cooch Behar district. 

According to police and bank sources, the thieves entered the bank building after breaking the ventilation during the early hours of Thursday. 
A mobile phone, security guard’s gun and ammunition were stolen from inside the bank. However, according to police sources, nothing was tampered with inside the bank cupboard. It is not yet known whether money disappeared from the bank. 
Although the bank authorities have not made any statements about this matter, Cooch Behar District Superintendent of Police Dyutiman Bhattacharya said: “According to the CCTV footage, a young man entered the bank around 3:30 am today. 
A mobile phone, currently switched off, as well as the security guard’s gun and bullets, are missing. CCTV footage has been collected from various locations.” 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/gun-bullets-stolen-from-bank-565978
Crime, Regional, West Bengal

Prof arrested in research scholar suicide case

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MP, 30 May 2024, Siliguri: The Special Operation Group (SOG) of Siliguri Metropolitan arrested the prime accused, Siddharth Shankar Laha, Head of the Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension of the University of North Bengal (NBU), in the suicide case of a research scholar of the university from Assam.

He was brought to Siliguri on Wednesday and was produced at Siliguri Court on Thursday. On May 16, the body of a research scholar of the Rural Development department of NBU was found hanging at a rented house in Shiv Mandir area. 
The deceased was a resident of Tufanganj, Cooch Behar and was staying in the rented house in Shiv Mandir area Also Read – ‘No one can stop change of power in Delhi on June 4’ in Siliguri. 
A suicide note was found in the house where it was mentioned that the accused Siddharth Shankar Laha, had a physical relationship with the deceased and refused to marry her. Therefore, she committed suicide. 
Her mobile phone and laptop were also missing from the room.On May 18, family members of the deceased lodged a written complaint. SOG began a search for the accused as he went absconding after the incident and tracked his mobile phone. 
First, he went to Kalimpong, then Lataguri, then Cooch Behar. 
A few days ago, he went to Goyalpara in Assam from where he was arrested. He was booked under various sections of the IPC. He has been taken into police remand for further investigation. 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/prof-arrested-in-research-scholar-suicide-case-565976
Crime, Regional

Siliguri: 4 arrested in teenager’s suicide case

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Courtesy: Siliguri Times 

MP, 30 May 2024, Siliguri: 4 arrested in teenager’s suicide case BY MPost30 May 2024 11:13 PM MPost30 May 2024 11:13 PM Siliguri: The Pradhan Nagar Police arrested four people in connection with the suicide of Bappa Barman, a teenager from Devidanga in Siliguri. 

The arrested include the minor lover of the deceased, her mother, father and elder sister. The girl’s father is a member of a Panchayat Samiti. As the girl is a minor, she was produced at juvenile court. 
The rest were produced at Siliguri Court on Thursday. On Wednesday, chaos erupted over the suicide of a 17-year-old teenager in Devidanga area. 
Furious people pelted stones at the police and vandalised police vehicles. The youth was found hanging inside his room on Wednesday morning. According to reports, the deceased had a relationship with a girl. 
Allegedly, the girl and her family member had assaulted the deceased on Tuesday humiliated over which he committed suicide. 
They have been booked under sections 305 (Abetment of Suicide), 34 (Criminal Act done by several person), 323 (Punishment of voluntarily causes hurt), Indian Penal Code (IPC).

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/siliguri-4-arrested-in-teenagers-suicide-case-565975

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/siliguri-4-arrested-in-teenagers-suicide-case-565975
Regional, West Bengal

Monsoon likely to enter North Bengal in 2-3 days, says IMD

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MP, 31 May 2024, Kolkata: The Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore said that monsoon may enter North Bengal in 2-3 days, five days ahead of its usual time of arrival. As per prediction, the monsoon is expected to enter North Bengal on Sunday as it will bring rainfall in the region. 

Incidentally, southwest monsoon set in over Kerala on Thursday. Generally, the monsoon enters Kerala on June 5. The MeT office already predicted heavy rainfall in several North Bengal districts in the next 24 hours. 
Orange alert has been issued for the districts like Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar as they are expected to receive heavy rainfall. 
It will also rain in North Dinajpur and South Dinajpur as well. According to the MeT office, monsoon generally enters Jalpaiguri on June 7, Siliguri on June 8, South Bengal on June 10 and Kolkata on June 11. It is not however clear as to when the monsoon will hit the city. 
There may be some scattered rainfall in some of the South Bengal districts during the weekend, the MeT office said. 
Spurred by Cyclone Remal, the southwest monsoon set in over the Kerala coast and parts of the northeast on Thursday. Weather scientists said the cyclone, which ripped through Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday, had pulled the monsoonal flow to the Bay of Bengal, which could be one of the reasons for early onset over the northeast. 
“Southwest monsoon has set in over Kerala and advanced into most parts of northeast India today, the 30th May, 2024,” the India Meteorological Department said. 
The normal monsoon onset date for Kerala is June 1 and for Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur and Assam is June 5. 
According to weather scientists, El Nino conditions are prevailing at present, and La Nina may set in by August-September. El Nino — the periodic warming of surface waters in the central Pacific Ocean — is associated with weaker monsoon winds and drier conditions in India. La Nina – the antithesis of El Nino- leads to plentiful rainfall during the monsoon season. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/monsoon-likely-to-enter-north-bengal-in-2-3-days-says-imd-566003
Regional

Indefinite cease work by conservancy staff of Darjeeling Municipality lifted

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Amitava Banerjee, MP, 30 May 2024, Darjeeling: Amid the tourist rush, Darjeeling woke up to garbage spill over on Thursday as the conservancy staff of the Darjeeling Municipality called for an indefinite cease work over the alleged assault on a staff by a vegetable vendor. 
However, normalcy returned in the evening following the arrest of the accused. The town wore a filthy look on Thursday morning, with garbage strewn on the roads and the vats overflowing. Even the Mall wore a dirty look. 
“We were collecting garbage from the shops at the Chowk Bazar on Wednesday evening. Despite nearly more than an hour having passed since we had been collecting garbage, I noticed a vegetable vendor not emptying his garbage bin in the conservancy vehicle,” stated Milan Sarki, driver of the vehicle. 
Sarki then approached Narayan Prasad Gupta, the vegetable vendor, asking him to empty his garbage bin. Gupta stated that he would do so in the evening in the vat. 
“I told him that he should not empty it in the vat but in the vehicle. I told him that if he didn’t want to, he should keep the bin inside his shop and not on the road causing public inconvenience. I then placed his garbage bin inside his shop and he started assaulting me and even tore my shirt,” alleged Sarki. 
Following this, the conservancy staff lodged an FIR against Gupta at the Darjeeling Sadar Police Station and allied for an indefinite cease work till the accused was punished. 
“As per the FIR, Narayan Prasad Gupta has been arrested,” stated Shubhra Sanyal, Inspector-in-Charge, Darjeeling Sadar Police Station. Gupta has been charged under sections 341, 323, 353 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code. 
They have been working relentlessly round-the-clock collecting garbage and keeping the town clean. Everyday around 90 metric tons of waste is generated. It is a back-breaking task. We have even pressed commercial vehicles to collect the waste. The public will also have to abide by the rules and dump the garbage as per the specified timing. 
We request the conservancy staff to withdraw their cease work as the accused has been arrested and law will take its course,” stated Dipen Thakuri, chairman, Darjeeling Municipality. “We are hereby lifting the cease work as action has been taken as per the law. We do not want to inconvenience the public,” added Sarki.
The Municipality has specifically mentioned that garbage has to be disposed between 7 pm and 5 am in the designated areas. Violators will face fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1000. Committees have been formed to monitor this. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/indefinite-cease-work-by-conservancy-staff-of-darjeeling-municipality-lifted-565971

Politics, Sikkim

As vote counting day approaches, Golay calls for peace and harmony in Sikkim

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SUJAL PRADHAN, EOI, GANGTOK, MAY 30, 2024 : In a Facebook post on Thursday, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang highlighted the recent success of the assembly and 18th Lok Sabha elections in the state, calling them the most peaceful in the history of Sikkim. The Chief Minister also shared details of an important meeting he chaired with Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party candidates at his official residence.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the imperative of maintaining harmony and asked all SKM members to maintain peace. “It is our utmost duty to remain in a harmonious state, guide all members of our organization properly, and maintain peace, goodwill, friendship, and brotherhood,” he stated.

Reflecting on the recently concluded elections, Tamang praised the unparalleled peace and organization. “This 18th Lok Sabha and 11th Sikkim Legislative Assembly election have been the most peaceful in Sikkim’s history,” he stated. He extended thanks to various officials and departments for their contributions to the electoral process. Referring to the high voter turnout, the Chief Minister said a total of 462,456 voters participated; a turnout of 83.5percent which was two percent higher than in 2019. “This remarkable turnout sets a new record for the state, surpassing figures from other states across the country. The people of Sikkim are the true recipients of heartfelt thanks and congratulations,” he said.

The Chief Minister commended the participation of 146 Assembly candidates and 14 Lok Sabha candidates and appreciated the role of every individual in ensuring a peaceful election. He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.

“Our mission will continue in the coming days to ensure complete peace and security in the state for the benefit of the Sikkimese people,” he assured. The Chief Minister called for unity among the diverse communities of Sikkim. “Though we belong to different castes and communities, we are all children of the same mother, Sikkim. Mutual respect, love, and harmony among us are our foremost duties,” he said. The meeting commenced with a two- minute silence to pay tribute to the late Sonam Gyatso Bhutia, a former legislator and vice-president of the SKM central executive committee, who had passed away recently.

Regional

China enhances military support to Pakistan along LoC in Kashmir

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PTI, May 29, 2024 : Pakistan’s key ally China has been actively bolstering the defence capabilities of the Pakistani army along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir over the past three years which includes the construction of steelhead bunkers and the provision of Unmanned Aerial and Combat Aerial Vehicles, officials said on Wednesday.

Chinese assistance also extends to the installation of highly encrypted communication towers and the laying of underground fibre cables along the LoC. Moreover, advanced radar systems of Chinese origin, such as the ‘JY’ and ‘HGR’ series, have been deployed to enhance medium and low altitude target detection capabilities, providing crucial intelligence support for army and air defence units, they said.

Additionally, the presence of the SH-15, a 155 mm truck-mounted howitzer gun manufactured by a Chinese firm, has been noticed at various locations along the LoC. This move is seen as part of efforts to strengthen China’s ties with Pakistan and safeguard Chinese investments in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, particularly related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Though the presence of senior PLA officials at forward posts, as was detected in 2014, was not found, some intercepts suggested that Chinese troops and engineers were setting up infrastructure along the LoC, including building underground bunkers, officials said. Chinese experts were engaged in tunnel construction in the Leepa Valley of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), signalling preparations for an all-weather road to connect with the Karakoram highway, they said.

This strategic move is linked to Beijing’s ambitious 46-billion-dollar CPEC project, aiming to establish a direct route between Gwadar Port in Pakistan and Xinjiang province in China through the Karakoram highway, an area under the illegal occupation of China.

In 2007, a Chinese telecom company had taken over a Pakistani telecom company and formed China Mobile Pakistan (CMPak) — a 100 per cent owned subsidiary of China Mobile Communications Corporation.

In August 2022, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), while renewing the mobile licence of CMPak (Zong) for PoK, gave permission to expand Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) in the region. While the Indian Army has maintained silence on the matter, intelligence agencies are reportedly being kept informed of the developments.

The continued presence of Chinese military personnel in the region has raised concerns, with India voicing objections to Chinese activities in Gilgit and Baltistan areas in the past. As tensions persist, India remains vigilant and prepared to thwart any potential threats emanating from across the border, officials said.
National

3 killed, thousands affected by floods in Manipur

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(Photo Courtesy: Morung Express)

PTI, 30 May 2024 : Three persons were killed while thousands were affected by floods triggered by heavy rain in Manipur’s Imphal valley, officials said on Thursday.


A 34-year-old man was killed and three others were injured in a landslide caused by heavy rain at Thonglang road in Senapati district on Wednesday. An 83-year-old woman drowned in the overflowing Senapati river, officials said.

In Imphal a 75-year-old man died of electrocution on Wednesday when he came in contact with an electric pole during rain, they said.

The overflowing Imphal river inundated several areas, with water entering hundreds of houses in Imphal valley, as a result, people took shelter at nearby community halls, they said.

Flooding was reported from at least 86 areas in Imphal West district, including Khuman Lampak, Nagaram, Sagolband, Uripok, Keisamthong and Paona areas due to the overflowing Nambul river, they added.

“Due to incessant rainfall, the bank of Imphal river has been breached near Keirang, Khabam and Lairiyengbam Leikai areas in Imphal East district and water gushed into several areas, inundating hundreds of houses.


“Several areas in Heingang and Khurai assembly constituencies in Imphal East district have been badly affected, with floodwater at chest level in many parts,” an official said.

A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) arrived in Imphal by a special Air Force flight around 10 pm on Wednesday to lead the rescue operations, officials said.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, “Due to breach in riverbank in several areas, many people and livestock have been affected. All authorities concerned, including state government officials, security and NDRF personnel and local volunteers, are working tirelessly to provide assistance to the affected people. Those stranded are being relocated to safe areas by boats.”


Meanwhile, the Irang Bailey bridge on NH 37, which connects Imphal and Silchar, collapsed in Taobam village in Noney district, disrupting road communication, officials said.

In a statement, the SP office of Imphal East district said, “In view of the incessant rains during the past few days, a number of places have been inundated. The police department along with other agencies are helping in the rescue of stranded people. It is hereby appealed to the public to not hamper rescue operations by coming out in large numbers and crowding the place.”
Crime, National, Politics

Delhi court issues notice to ED on CM Kejriwal’s pleas for bail in excise policy case

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PTI, New Delhi, May 30, 2024 :  A Delhi court on Thursday issued notice to the ED on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea seeking regular bail in a money laundering case related to the alleged excise scam.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, who initially directed the central probe agency to file its response to Kejriwal’s plea by Saturday, later fixed the matter for June 7 after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sought more time to respond.

The judge, however, directed the ED to file its response by Saturday on Kejriwal’s another plea seeking interim bail for a week on medical grounds.

Kejriwal is currently out on interim bail, granted by the Supreme Court, in the case till June 1.

The Supreme Court registry on Wednesday refused urgent listing of Kejriwal’s plea seeking extension of his interim bail by seven days for undergoing certain medical tests, saying since he was given liberty to move the trial court for regular bail, the plea was not maintainable.

The AAP leader had sought extension of his interim bail by seven days to undergo a host of medical tests, including a PET-CT scan, in view of “sudden and unexplained weight loss coupled with high ketone levels”, which are indicative of kidney, serious cardiac ailments and even cancer.

The chief minister, in his fresh plea filed before the apex court on May 26, said he wanted to surrender before the Tihar jail authorities on June 9 instead of June 2, the scheduled date for his return to prison.

The top court had on May 10 granted 21-day interim bail to the chief minister to enable him to campaign during the Lok Sabha polls.

    It had directed him to surrender on June 2, a day after the last phase of the seven-phase poll gets over.

    The matter relates to the alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s now-scrapped excise policy for 2021-22.

Regional, West Bengal

State education council to distribute language textbooks for free

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PTI, KOLKATA, MAY 30, 2024 : / The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education on
Thursday said it will distribute free language textbooks to students, months after the introduction of a semester-based education system for classes 11 and 12 in educational institutes in the state.

However, due to logistical challenges, the distribution process may experience delays, according to council president Chiranjib Bhattacharya. The revised curriculum, implemented after 11 years, particularly focuses on language subjects, which have been thoroughly updated and divided into four semesters. “The council has revised the curriculum of all subjects after 11 years. 
The language papers, in particular, were thoroughly revised and curriculum of all subjects were split into four semesters,” he said. 
The state government has undertaken the printing of all language textbooks for distribution across the state, but despite extensive efforts, the process may take some time, he added. 
The council is uploading textual materials of language subjects on its website for the benefit of students, teachers, and parents, while endeavours are being made to expedite printing and distribution of textbooks, he said. 
State-run and state-aided schools are scheduled to reopen after the ongoing summer vacation on June 3, with classes commencing from June 10. Some schools have already started online classes for 12th standard students. 
The adoption of the semester system for classes 11 and 12 in all state-run and state-aided schools was previously announced by the council, with implementation beginning in the academic session 2024-25 for class 11 and 2025-26 for class 12. 
Under this new system, the 10+2course is divided into four parts, with class11 structured as semester 1 and 2, and class12 as semester 3 and 4. According to the draft of the new state education policy unveiled in August last year, board exams will be conducted after the completion of the third and fourth semesters. 
The existing 4+4+2+2 structure, where students spend four years in the foundation stage, followed by four years in upper primary (preparatory stage), and two years (classes 9 and 10) in secondary education, will be retained, as stated by a higher secondary department official. 
Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Landslides are difficult to predict

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Editorial, EOI, 30 May 2024 : For the people of the hills of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim, landslides are of common occurrence. Now in the wake of the devastating landslide in the mountainous Enga province in Papua New Guinea late last week with estimates of the death toll varying between 670 and 2,000 the University of Sydney has offered some explanations as to what causes landslides and if landslides can be predicted to save lives.

As the Papua New Guinea experience has underscored, rescue is challenging in the event of a landslide. Secondary slides and rock falls hamper efforts in the search zone. Because of lack of access, it becomes difficult to move heavy digging machinery to the landslide zone. Roads need to be cleared or repaired for assistance and equipment to arrive. t is difficult to locate potential survivors as landslides carry away buildings and their occupants in an unpredictable manner. 
Landslides happen when the pull from gravity exceeds the strength of the geomaterial forming the slope of a hill or mountain. Geomaterials can be as varied as rocks, sand, silt and clays. Then, part of this slope starts sliding downhill. Depending on where the slope fails, the material sliding down can be just a few cubic metres or a few million cubic metres in volume.
But why do slopes fail? 
Most natural landslides are triggered by earthquakes or rainfall. Earthquakes shake the ground, stress it and weaken it over time. Rainwater can seep through the ground and soak it and add weight to the slope. The ground is often porous like a sponge.
Another adverse effect of water is erosion, causing slopes to fall. Groundwater can also dissolve rocks within slopes. Human activities also contribute to the chance of landslides. Deforestation has a negative impact on slope stability, as tree roots naturally reinforce the ground and drain water out. Mine blasts produce small earthquake-like ground vibrations that shake slopes nearby. It is difficult to predict and mitigate landslide risk effectively. 
The thousands of deadly and costly landslides occurring every year worldwide suggest so. To warn people of a coming landslide, one would need a prediction for earthquakes and rainfall, in addition to a perfect knowledge of the slope-forming geomaterial.
Geomaterials may include multiple, entangled layers of various kinds of rocks and particulate materials, such as sand, silt and clays. 
Their strength varies, and their spatial distribution dictates where the slope is likely to fail. To accurately assess the stability of the slope, a three-dimensional mapping of these materials and their strengths is needed. No sensor can provide this information, so geologists and geotechnical engineers must deal with partial information obtained at a few selected locations and extrapolate this data to the rest of the slope. 
The weakest link of the chain, such as an existing fracture in a rock mass, is easily missed. This is an inevitable source of uncertainty when trying to predict how much material might slip. It is known that the larger the volume of a landslide, the farther its runout distance. But it is hard to gauge the exact size of a landslide, making predictions of runout distances and safe zones uncertain.
It is always uncertain when a landslide will occur. Mechanical analysis enables one to estimate the vulnerability of a slope in a particular scenario, including earthquake magnitude and distribution of groundwater. But predicting if and when these triggers will happen is a difficult task.
Regional

Experts suggest non-motorised transport system for hill towns to address traffic woes

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‘Non-motorised transport is the way out for mountain towns like Gangtok and Darjeeling as our region has reached a saturation point in vehicle density,’ said Kailash Pradhan
A row of vehicles on NH55 leading to Darjeeling town on Wednesday: Sourced by The Telegraph

Vivek Chhetri, TT, Darjeeling, 30.05.24: 

Experts have suggested that tourist towns like Darjeeling and Gangtok, which face massive traffic snarls, must adopt a non-motorised transport system as a long-term solution.

For the past many years, the administration of both towns has been looking at managing traffic in the “traditional” manner.
Two well-known architects from the region with vast experience in working on hilly terrains, Kailash Pradhan of Gangtok and Subin Pradhan of Kalimpong, however, had a new take.

“Non-motorised transport is the way out for mountain towns like Gangtok and Darjeeling as our region has reached a saturation point in vehicle density,” said Kailash.

The focus, experts believe, is to have a combination of ropeways, escalators and elevated walkways for the hills.

“Unlike in the plains, in the hills we can neither build flyovers in the hills nor broaden the roads because of the terrain,” said Subin.

The architects suggested that ropeways with at least four stations be planned from Lebong to the Chowrasta–Batasia-Tiger Hill stretch in Darjeeling.

“Gondolas must be used as public transport. Elevated walkways are other options one needs to explore,” said Subin, who added that car parking lots must be set up on the periphery of Darjeeling town.

Subin suggested that the DHR rail line and the road should be at the same level in select narrow stretches.

The experts said that there was no ready-made template for mountain towns like Darjeeling and Gangtok.

“Not many cities in the world have come up in terrains similar to that of Darjeeling and Gangtok. This is why our planning must be out of the box,” said Kailash.

Traffic in the hills virtually comes to a standstill during the tourist season. In 2019, Darjeeling Police and Anit Thapa, in charge of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, had organised an open-air meeting with stakeholders and the public to seek solutions to ease traffic woes.

Suggestions like removing all roadside parkings, rules to make it mandatory for hotels to create clustered parking spaces and designated pick and drop points, changes in traffic timing and setting up alternative roads were discussed.

“Only two decisions have been implemented so far, dismantling shuttered shops at the parking space near Darjeeling Government College and the Darjeeling zoo’s decision to build its own parking space,” said a tourism stakeholder present at the 2019 meeting.
Courtesy & source- The Telegraph
https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/experts-suggest-non-motorised-transport-system-for-hill-towns-to-address-traffic-woes/cid/2023393
Regional, West Bengal

North Bengal celebrates International Everest Day

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Amitava Banerjee, MP, 29 May 2024, Darjeeling: With demands for “Bharat Ratna” to be awarded posthumously to legendary mountaineer Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, reverberating from different quarters, International Everest Day was commemorated on Wednesday. 

The day marks the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary on this day in 1953. The birth anniversary of Tenzing Sherpa is also observed on this day. With the appeal for Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country, to be conferred on Tenzing Norgay, the Nature and Trekkers’ Club of Jalpaiguri (NTCJ) sent a letter to Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday. 
“Tenzing Norgay has been one of the most influential Indians on the global arena. He was declared as one of the most influential people of the world by Time Magazine in 1999. He has received wide accolades globally. NASA has honoured him by naming one of Pluto’s mountains as “Tenzing Montes”. 
The recognition bestowed by the Indian Government by awarding him the third highest civilian award the Padma Bhushan does not parallel his contribution. Despite being most deserving of the highest honour our nation can bestow on anyone — Bharat Ratna, it remains elusive for him in spite of widespread appeal to the government from different spheres of the society throughout India,” stated the letter to the Prime Minister expressing hope that the appeal would be given serious consideration. 
“We will also approach the Jalpaiguri Municipality to install a statue of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in Jalpaiguri. He is the greatest inspiration for the youth, specially adventure lovers and mountaineers,” stated Bhaskar Das, coordinator of the NTCJ and member, Governing Council, Indian Mountaineering Federation. 
“It is an excellent proposal. We will discuss the modalities including funds and a suitable location for the statue in Jalpaiguri in the Chairman in Council meeting,” stated Papia Pal, chairperson, Jalpaiguri Municipality while talking to Millennium Post. 
“We reiterate our demand of Bharat Ratna for Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. We fail to understand why the Union government is so hesitant? After the Model Code of Conduct, the state government will again raise this issue,” stated Gautam Deb, Mayor, Siliguri Municipal Corporation during the commemoration of Everest Day in Siliguri, jointly Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation. 
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) ,Darjeeling, also commemorated the day by offering floral tribute at the Memorial of Tenzing Sherpa. “He was the first Director of Field Training of HMI. His contributions have been instrumental in establishing HMI as a leading institution in mountaineering education,” stated Group Captain Jai Kishan, Principal HMI. 
Sikkim’s Marathon man Amar Subba accompanied by two others ran from Jorethang in Sikkim to the HMI, Darjeeling completing 32 km, uphill in 3 hours. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration launched a 10 km long hiking trail from Darjeeling Chowrasta to Sidrapong Hydro Project with stopovers at Tibetan museum, Tenzing Norgay’s house, Ava Art Gallery via the Arya Tea Estate. 
Jamling Tenzing Norgay, son of Tenzing Norgay, opened up the “Tenzing Norgay Hiking Trail.”
Courtesy & source: Millennum Post 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/north-bengal-celebrates-international-everest-day-565832
Crime, International, Regional

As many as 8 Rohingyas held at NJP Railway Station

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MP, 29 May 2024, Siliguri: As many as eight Rohingyas, including a child, were arrested at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station on their way to Punjab via New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station. Among those arrested, four were women, three were men. 

The accused have been identified as Zubera Begum, Rehana Akhtar, Ashiya Begum, Hasina Begum, Noor Hakim, Saddam Hussain and Azinur. 
“We apprehended eight people, including a child. All of them have been presented at Court. We have commenced an investigation,” said Selvamurugan, the Superintendent of Railway Police (SRP) of Siliguri GRP. 
All those who were arrested were living in the Kutuk Fallung Refugee Camp in Bangladesh. The Government Railway Police (GRP) of NJP received a tip-off about the Rohingyas. 
Based on that tip-off, they raided the North-East Samparkranti Express Train on platform number three at NJP Railway Station on Tuesday evening and arrested them. 
According to GRP, they had boarded the train from Badarpur Junction in Assam to Delhi. From there, they planned to go to Punjab. On Wednesday, all the accused were produced at the Jalpaiguri Court. 
Courtesy & spurce- Millennium Post

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/as-many-as-8-rohingyas-held-at-njp-rly-stn-565834?infinitescroll=1

Regional, West Bengal

Storms in different parts of North Bengal uproot trees, damage houses

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MP, 29 May 2024, Cooch Behar/ Siliguri/ Jalpaiguri: A large area of Tufanganj in the Cooch Behar district was devastated by a powerful storm in the wee hours of Wednesday. 

A large area under Nakkati Gach Village Panchayat in Tufanganj Block No. 1 was virtually demolished in the storm. In addition to numerous houses collapsing, many trees were also uprooted. 
A storm also hit Siliguri on Tuesday night continuing till the early hours of Wednesday, uprooting multiple trees, electricity poles and disrupting electricity. According to local sources, more than 30 houses have been damaged in Tufanganj. 
The Tufanganj-Balabhut state highway was blocked by fallen electricity poles and trees that was cleared by the disaster management team, restoring traffic. Despite this, there is still no electricity in the area. 
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Shyamsunder Basak, a local resident, said: “The tin roof of our house was blown away by the gusty wind. In the middle of the night, we had to find shelter.”A large part of the Nakkati Gach area has been without power since the storm. 
’ Due to the extensive damage, the electricity supply has been severely affected. According to administrative sources, the fire brigade and disaster management teams, along with the Electricity department, were working in the area since Wednesday morning with the aim to complete all necessary repairs as quickly as possible. 
Rajesh Tantri, vice-president of Tufanganj number I Panchayat Samity, said: “Natural disasters are beyond our control. Many houses were damaged. We have arranged tarpaulin sheets for the affected families. 
The block administration is keeping a close watch on all issues.” Meanwhile in Siliguri, rain and thunderstorms hit at around 10 pm on Tuesday and continued till the early hours of Wednesday. Trees and electricity poles were uprooted in several areas of Sevoke Road near Surya Sen Park. 
A few areas of wards 15, 16, 17, 21 and adjacent areas of Siliguri, including Fulbari and Kharibari, were affected due to heavy rainfall and storms. Mayor Gautam Deb, along with Deputy Mayor Ranjan Sarkar, visited the affected areas. “SMC workers are working on a war footing clearing roads. 
The electricity supply has been disrupted in a few areas. Repair works have started since Wednesday morning. We will carry out replantation of some of the trees,” stated Deb. Electricity was restored in wards 10 and 15 by afternoon. 
Work was on in wards 17 and 21. Due to the rain in the mountains and the release of 2000 cumec water from the Kalijhora barrage, there is a surge in water in the River Teesta. Owing to this, water has entered the low-lying areas of Teesta, including Salugara Laltong Basti in the Jalpaiguri district. 
Irrigation department North East Chief Engineer Krishnandu Bhowmik said: “No warning has been issued in the river. 
Due to the release of water from the barrage, some low-lying areas have witnessed inundation. There is nothing to panic about.” 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/storms-in-different-parts-of-north-bengal-uproot-trees-damage-houses-565839
Crime, International, West Bengal

Daughter of slain B’deshi MP may undergo DNA test in city

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Gourab Neto, MP, 30 May 2024, Kolkata: Following the discovery of pieces of flesh and hair strands in a septic tank of a housing complex in New Town, the daughter of the slain Bangladeshi Member of Parliament (MP) Anwarul Azim Anar may soon come to Kolkata to undergo a DNA test for matching the reports. An arrested person, who police claimed is a butcher by profession, allegedly chopped the body of the Bangladesh lawmaker and mixed them with turmeric before disposing of them at different locations. “In case the body parts are not found, then we will conduct DNA tests on the blood samples and match the result with the DNA of one of Anar’s family members to establish the identity and start a case according to the law,” an officer told a news agency. Also Read – ‘Mercury set to soar in South Bengal; thunderstorms to continue in North’ In another development, the state CID suspects that another accused identified as Siyam had fled to Nepal. A police team might go to Nepal soon in connection with the probe. On Tuesday CID was reportedly requested by the Bangladesh Police to search the septic tank of the apartment building to find any traces of Anar’s body as the arrested accused Jihad Hawaladar reportedly told the cops that he had flushed some body parts through the commode.Honouring the request when the septic tank was searched, where about 3.5 kg pieces of flesh and hair strands were reportedly recovered. However, other body parts are still not found despite repeated searches of the Bagjola Canal in the Krishnamati area of Polerhat. Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police told the media persons in Bangladesh that the motive behind Anar’s murder is still unknown.

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/daughter-of-slain-bdeshi-mp-may-undergo-dna-test-in-city-565860

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