Saturday, May 25, 2024 09:15 [IST]
Last Update: Saturday, May 25, 2024 03:39 [IST]
Darjeeling organisations threaten to take to streets over traffic issue
DARJEELING,: Different transport and social
organizations came forward today to oppose the persistent traffic jams in
Darjeeling, threatening to protest if the government does not address the issue
within a month.
Darjeeling has struggled with severe
traffic congestion for several years, particularly during the tourist season. A
trip that once took 1.5 hours now takes nearly four hours.
Pasang Sherpa, president of the
Himalayan Transport Coordination Committee (HTCC), stated, “The traffic jams
during peak tourist season are causing significant problems. Despite following
all government directives, the traffic issue persists.” Sherpa criticized the
government for not allocating necessary funds to improve the traffic system.
The HTCC along with other organizations
like Darjeeling Luxury Association, Pahar Terrai Chalak Sangathan and
Darjeeling Trucks and Water Tanker Association suggested several measures to
alleviate the congestion. These include requiring hotels to have their own
parking facilities, providing adequate parking at tourist spots, broadening the
highways and establishing proper pick-up and drop-off points. They also
recommended reducing the number of joy rides by the Darjeeling Himalayan
Railway during tourist season, which they believe contribute to the jams.
Sherpa urged the government to hold a
meeting in late June to present a plan and timeline for solving the traffic
issue with both short-term and long-term solutions. He warned that protests
would begin in early July if no action is taken.
Supporting the HTCC, Rajesh Gurung of
Lakshya Samuha emphasized that the traffic jams affect not only drivers but
also students and workers, causing delays despite early departures. He called
for immediate administrative measures to address the problem.
The organizations plan to send
memorandums to Bengal Chief Minister, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration,
Darjeeling SP, MPs, MLAs and other officials.
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