Statesman News Service
KALIMPONG, May 22. — Barely a week after the foundation of the much-talked-about motor stand was laid here, residents of the nearby locality have demanded that the project should be limited only within the land granted by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC).
The chairman of the Kalimpong municipality confirmed that the second phase of the proposed motor stand near the Novelty Cinema at 9 Mile here would extend to constructions besides the main road.
People, residing on the land of the project site, today submitted a memorandum to the Darjeeling MP, Mr Dawa Narbula, demanding immediate grant of permanent settlement for the 30 families.
Former president of Chimaki Kalyan Sangh, a committee of roadside habitants, and a dealer in minerals, Mr Kansang Moktan, said: “I had acquired this land in the early 70’s. Besides this is a vacant government land”.
Significantly, even after the Municipality and Public Works Department (PWD) had sued these families in the 70’s, on allegations of unauthorised settlement and claiming possession of land, the case went in favour the residents. “The concerned department should also grant us immediate settlement of land, a total of 0.22 acres”, another resident, Mr Pravin Mothay, said. He added: “The area is too small for a motor stand”.
The memorandum submitted to the MP, read: “We have been residing here for the last 51 years and have set up small businesses which is the only means of livelihood available to us. Despite several correspondences regarding settlement to the authorities, they have been least bothered about it.”
Mr Mothay added: “Instead of coming up with a stand here in such a small place why don’t they initiate the project at the land belonging to the Queen of Bhutan at 11 mile? That’s an appropriate site as the number of vehicles in that area is growing steadily.”
Interestingly, this is not the first time that the debate on the vehicle stand has surfaced here. Though the foundation of the estimated Rs 2 crores project was laid on 11 May, it was announced that the first phase of this project will be constructed on the forest land.
The DGHC, in lieu, has handed over the land at Lichi ground and a sum of Rs 8 lakhs for new construction has been charged.
After receiving the memorandum, Mr Narbula said: “We will hold a meeting at the DM’s office on Tuesday, in the presence of representatives of the Sangh.”
However, the chairman of the municipality, advocate Mr CK Kumai, stated that the second phase of the project would be certainly extended to the area above the forestland. “The whole area has been encroached upon. They will have to vacate the place. In return we will provide a shop each to the all the families”, he said.