Siliguri 2nd August 2026, Report By Sanjay Pera News , Reporter Chetan Sanjay Pera
Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul visited Siliguri on Sunday and addressed a press conference, announcing a series of development plans for Siliguri and other towns across North Bengal. She said this was her second visit to North Bengal in the last one month and added that she had not come for a tour but to speed up development in the region.
Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul visited Siliguri on Sunday and addressed a press conference, announcing a series of development plans for Siliguri and other towns across North Bengal. She said this was her second visit to North Bengal in the last one month and added that she had not come for a tour but to speed up development in the region.
The Minister announced that Shibmandir has been declared a new municipality, and work to establish the civic body will begin soon. She also said that, following the request of MLA Shikha Chatterjee, the government is considering declaring Dabgram and Fulbari as a municipality.
She said the government plans to develop Siliguri as a Hill Smart City to make life more comfortable and convenient for residents. The city’s drinking water supply, traffic management and drainage system will be upgraded.
Under the UTIF project, the drainage system in Cooch Behar will be reconstructed at a cost of around ₹30 crore. Under the UCF project, multi-level car parking facilities will be built in Darjeeling, Siliguri and Kalimpong.
The Minister also announced that Bharat Petroleum CBC plants will be set up in Siliguri and Jalpaiguri. Modern bus terminals with solar panels, drinking water facilities and soft drink vending machines will be built in every town of North Bengal.
A new project to make abir (coloured powder) and incense sticks from flowers offered at temples will soon begin at Jalpesh Temple, Bhramari Devi Temple and Madan Mohan Temple.
She said that five villages located near the Jalpaiguri water supply project will also receive drinking water. In Mirik, three Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) projects will be completed this year, and beautification work around Mirik Lake will also be carried out.
To improve drinking water supply in Darjeeling, the reconstruction of Senchal Lake will be completed soon.
The Minister said the government will launch a large-scale plantation drive over the next five years to reduce the impact of climate change caused by unplanned urban development. Trees will also be planted along road dividers. From September 1, people found littering on roads in the four hill towns will have to pay a fine.
She added that the solid waste management projects in Maynaguri and Dhupguri will begin soon. The road survey at Palakata has been completed, which will help in planned urban development.
According to the Minister, all towns in North Bengal will become garbage-free by May 8, 2027. She also said that by June 2027, nearly 90,000 households across North Bengal will receive piped drinking water connections.
Solar panels will be installed on the roofs of municipal offices and government buildings. A new Swachh App has already been launched in Siliguri to improve cleanliness and help citizens report civic issues more easily. From September 1, vending machines will provide eco-friendly bags for just ₹1.
The survey for houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is currently underway, and construction work will begin after the survey is completed. Road cleaning will now be carried out twice a day by sanitation workers. New public toilets will also be built in slum areas, markets and tourist spots, along with the development of on-site parking facilities.
Speaking on the alleged harassment of journalists in West Bengal, the Minister claimed that journalists had been used for political purposes for the past 15 years. She also alleged that the previous government encouraged madrasa education instead of mainstream education and criticised it for not standing with Taslima Nasrin.
She said work under the new Siliguri Municipal Corporation will begin soon after the municipal elections. At present, civic work is being carried out under an administrator. A Grievance Cell has been introduced in all municipalities so that residents can easily lodge complaints.
The Minister further stated that illegal buildings will be demolished, and violators will also face fines. Hawkers will be allowed to continue business until the Durga Puja festival, after which stricter rules will be enforced regarding roadside vending.
Concluding the press conference, the Minister announced that Cooch Behar is set to become the next Smart City in North Bengal.
