Kalimpong: Committee formed to solve Multi storey Motor Stand project issue

Kalimpong: The Multi storey Motor Stand project to be made opposite Novelty Cinema Hall after dismantling around 35 shops already located there has nil progress as the shopkeepers there do not wish to shift. Thus, to handle this situation, the Municipality today formed 8-member committee. it includes 34 no constituency Sabhasad, Nima Tamang, 35 no constituency Sabhasad, Sunil Pradhan, ward councilor, Zyangbo Sherpa, Kundan Baniya, Barun Bhujel, Pradip Prasad, ward councilor of ward no 1, Dawa Dolma Lhamu and engineer, Subin Pradhan.This 23 crores project is at halt since many years due to the objection of the shopkeepers. The Municipality reciprocating to the objection has also started the construction of a Multi Complex near Novelty where the shops will be shifted. Despite of this, the shopkeepers are not opting to shift as the shops also act as their residences. The shopkeepers had also filed a case at the Kolkata High Court regarding the ownership of the land, which is waiting to be solved. Few days ago, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) President, Bimal Gurung had ordered the Kalimpong Municipality to solve the issue. Therefore, the committee has been set up following the orders. The Municipality President, LB Pariyar, today made it clear that there is no question of providing houses to the shopkeepers in the Multi Complex. Speaking about the ownership issue, Pariyar said that when the Court orders the Municipality to make their stand, then they can prove that these shopkeepers have illegally occupied the land.“Neither, they have any building plan, nor they possess any electricity connection in their names. We will be keeping every aspect infront of the court”, said Pariyar.“It would be better, if the case solves here itself. We do not want 23 crores to go out of hand. It is an ill fate that the project meant for the betterment of the public is being hampered due to the selfishness of few people”, he stated.

By Mukesh Sharma