16 hill boards under investigation; GTA also to be probed, says Agnimitra Pal

State Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Pal announced that all 16 ethnic and tribal development boards created by the previous state government will be investigated and stated that the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) will also come under scrutiny. The announcement was made during her inspection tour of multiple development projects across the Darjeeling hills, accompanied by MP Raju Bista.

During the visit, the minister reviewed several infrastructure and civic projects, including water supply initiatives in the Sinchel area, ICDS facilities in Happy Valley, tourism infrastructure at Mirik Lake, and reconstruction work on the Dudhia bridge. She held discussions with engineers and officials regarding project progress and completion timelines, particularly focusing on measures to address the region’s drinking water shortage.

Agnimitra Pal also visited the Pashupati Temple near the India–Nepal border before travelling to Dudhia to inspect the bridge that was damaged during last year’s monsoon floods. At Mirik Lake, she discussed plans for tourism development and announced proposals to improve visitor facilities, including the introduction of public Wi-Fi in the area.

Criticising the previous administration, the minister stated that the 16 development boards that received government funds would be required to account for how those funds were utilised. She said that every board would be investigated and reiterated that the GTA would also be included within the scope of the inquiry. She further stated that the government’s focus was on development and implementation of ongoing projects.

The minister said the AMRUT water project in Sinchel would help address the region’s drinking water issues once completed. Regarding the Dudhia bridge, she stated that construction is expected to be completed by 2027. She also alleged that families affected by last year’s monsoon had received only ₹60,000 of the ₹1.2 lakh assistance promised earlier and said officials had been instructed to release the remaining amount. According to sources, she is also expected to visit Jalpaiguri on Tuesday.