Siliguri: The Trinamul-run Mirik municipality has taken up
elaborate projects to beautify the town and improve infrastructure,
utilising Rs 11.70 crore allocated by the state.
L.B. Rai, the chairman of the only Trinamul-controlled civic
body in the hills, said a deadline of 90 days had been set for
completion of the first phase so it could be finished ahead of the
summer season when tourists flock to the town.
"We have taken up a number of projects like beautification and
landscaping, illumination of streets and park building to give Mirik a
facelift. Work orders have been issued and within 90 days, we intend to
finish most of it," said Rai.
Around Rs 4.03 crore will be spent on beautification of the Sumendu
Lake and an adjacent park, and for illumination of the area. Six parks
will be developed at a cost of Rs 4.83 crore. The town has only nine
wards.
"Streetlights will be put up along a 5km stretch starting from
Krishnanagar to Thorbu (located at two ends of the town) for which Rs
1.20 crore has been allotted. Also, 30 high-mast lights will be
installed," Rai said.
The civic authorities are also focussing on basic services.
"We want the town to remain clean and have appealed to residents. Our
officials have been asked to conduct awareness drives," said an
official.
Ashwini Roy, sub-divisional officer of Mirik, said the aim was
to develop the town in a planned manner. "We are confident major works
would be done with the stipulated period (of 90 days). The state
municipal engineering directorate is providing technical support."
Some political observers felt, however, that Trinamul was
playing the development card through the municipality, instead of
engaging in overt political activities.
"For past six-seven months, the party has not taken up any
political activity in the hills. Instead, it is using the Mirik
municipality to drive home the point that it is keen on developing the
hills. Also, such elaborate works in the tiny hill town would pose a
challenge to the other three (hill) civic boards where the Gorkha
Janmukti Morcha is in power," said an observer.
The Telegraph
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