GANGTOK,: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista on Wednesday met Union Home minister Amit
Shah and highlighted the alarming situation faced by the people living along
the Teesta river.
“I
informed him about the ongoing flood situation, and explained how the situation
along the river Teesta was exacerbated due to the lack of action by the West
Bengal government after the flash floods of October 2023. Because of which,
nearly 400 families from the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, who have
already been impacted due to the flash flood of October 2023, are now facing
further displacement due to the increasing levels of Teesta river,” said Bista
in a media statement.
The
Darjeeling MP also updated the Union Home minister on how the sections of
NH-10, which are under the NH Division of the WB PWD, connecting the border
regions of Kalimpong and Sikkim, are yet to be fixed properly, leading to
regular shut-downs.
Given that
this is one of the most important border roads in the country, vital for our
national security purposes, I requested for this section of the road to be
handed over the NHAI/NHIDCL directly, said Bista.
He also
requested an urgent intervention from the Union Home Ministry besides deployment
of a Central Team to examine the grave threat facing the people living along
Teesta river, and take necessary steps to save the lives of the people, and
ensure their safety and security.
The Union
Home minister assured Bista that the Central Government is taking stock of the
situation, and all necessary help and support will be provided.
Bista
expressed his gratitude to Shah for his prompt response and assurance of
support during this critical time.
“His
commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our people is deeply
appreciated. I am confident that with the support from the Union Home Ministry,
we will be able to address the urgent needs of those affected along the Teesta
river,” said the Darjeeling MP.
