Archive · 21 Jul 2026
MLAs demand new districts for Kurseong and Siliguri
Some leaders in West Bengal want to create new districts for Kurseong and Siliguri.
They say these areas are big and important enough to be separate districts.
Kurseong is far from Darjeeling, and people there have to travel a lot for medical help.
Siliguri is a big city with lots of people, and its leaders say it should be its own district because it's far from Darjeeling.
Another leader wants a new municipality for Dabgram-Fulbari because it's growing fast and needs better local government.
MLA Sonam Lama demands Kurseong be made a separate district from Darjeeling.
Kurseong has two municipalities, three blocks, and over 1,000 villages with a population of around 1.2 lakh.
MLA Anandamay Barman proposes Siliguri as a new district due to its size and importance.
Siliguri is the second-largest urban hub in West Bengal with over 25 lakh people.
MLA Sikha Chatterjee urges a separate municipality for the rapidly urbanizing Dabgram-Fulbari area.
- Who
- MLAs Sonam Lama, Anandamay Barman, and Sikha Chatterjee
- What
- Demands for new districts for Kurseong and Siliguri, and a separate municipality for Dabgram-Fulbari
- When
- Recent demands made during the Assembly session
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- To improve administrative efficiency and provide better local governance
Proponents of New Districts
Opponents of New Districts
Administrative Efficiency
Proponents of New Districts
Proponents argue that creating new districts like Kurseong and Siliguri will improve administrative efficiency and provide better local governance.
Opponents of New Districts
Opponents may argue that creating new districts could lead to administrative fragmentation and increased costs without significant benefits.
Geographic and Population Justification
Proponents of New Districts
Proponents highlight the geographic location and population size of Kurseong and Siliguri, stating that they meet the criteria for new districts.
Opponents of New Districts
Opponents might contend that the current administrative setup is sufficient and that new districts are not necessary.
- Current Darjeeling District Subdivisions
- Darjeeling Sadar, Kurseong, Mirik, Siliguri
- Population of Kurseong Constituency
- Around 1.2 lakh (2026 estimates)
- Population of Siliguri and Surrounding Areas
- Over 25 lakh
- Year Kalimpong Became a Separate District
- 2017
- Number of Wards in Dabgram-Fulbari
- 14
- Number of Panchayats in Dabgram-Fulbari
- 4
- Total Voters in Dabgram-Fulbari
- Around three lakh
- Voters in Panchayats of Dabgram-Fulbari
- Around two lakh