Siliguri, August 7, 2026 : After a gap of nearly two and a half years, the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) has resumed its activities, marking what the state government describes as a fresh beginning focused on transparency, accountability, and infrastructure development in North Bengal.
A high-level SJDA meeting was held at Himachal Vihar in Siliguri under the chairmanship of State Tourism Minister and Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh. The meeting was attended by ministers, MLAs, the District Magistrates of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri, along with senior administrative officials.
One of the most significant announcements made during the meeting was the launch of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities worth nearly ₹200 crore within SJDA over the past 15 years. According to Shankar Ghosh, an independent committee comprising a former judge and senior government officials will conduct the probe. In addition, a comprehensive financial audit of the authority will also be carried out.
Alongside the investigation, the government unveiled a ₹100 crore development roadmap aimed at reviving stalled projects and accelerating infrastructure development across North Bengal. MLAs have been asked to submit priority project lists to ensure local development needs are addressed effectively.
Officials stated that work on road repairs, drainage improvements, and other essential infrastructure projects will commence after the monsoon season using funds from the ₹100 crore allocation.
Another key announcement was the reopening of the closed Canal Road Toll Plaza in Phulbari, which will resume operations through a fresh tender process.
The twin announcements of a corruption probe and a major development package signal the government's intention to strengthen transparency while restarting long-pending development initiatives in the region.
