SJDA Approves 100 Crore Development Projects for Siliguri
The Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) held its first board meeting in two and a half years to approve development projects worth 100 crore rupees for the region. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Darjeeling District Magistrate Harishankar Panicker and was attended by State Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh, Minister of State for Transport and Finance Ananda Moy Barman, MLA Shikha Chatterjee, and other officials. The board members reviewed various infrastructure proposals to improve civic facilities across Siliguri and surrounding areas.
Development Projects and Infrastructure Plans
Following the monsoon season, the authority will begin work on multiple infrastructure projects across the city. These approved plans include the construction and repair of roads, drainage systems, drinking water facilities, crematorium improvements, and the installation of modern street lighting. Additionally, the board decided to replace the old L-4 and L-5 buildings near the Siliguri bus terminus with new commercial complexes. Plans for the renovation of the SJDA market and a request for funding to develop a bus terminus at the Matigara Transport Nagar were also formally discussed and decided upon.
Expansion and Land Management Decisions
Several administrative decisions were finalized to improve the governance and reach of the authority. The board reached a consensus to bring Nagrakata and Dhupguri under the jurisdiction of the SJDA. Furthermore, it was decided that all details regarding government land will be published on the official website for public transparency. The authority also agreed to resolve the grievances of people who lost land in Kawakhali by following due legal processes.
Financial Audit and Accountability
One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the decision to conduct a special audit of all financial transactions from the past 15 years. Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh stated that the authority would not tolerate corruption and that a fair investigation would be conducted, potentially under the supervision of a retired judge. He confirmed that the SJDA will fund these upcoming development works using its own revenue and government assistance. This report is based on information provided by Hindusthan Samachar.