Archive · 31 Jan 2026
SIR Hearings Disrupt Darjeeling's Construction and Tourism
In Darjeeling, many construction workers have left their jobs to attend special hearings for updating voter lists.
This has caused construction projects to slow down.
Additionally, tourism in the area was affected earlier when people canceled or postponed their trips due to these hearings.
The final voter list was supposed to be published on February 14, but it might be delayed because of court orders.
Workers are also staying home longer due to a religious event in February, making it harder for construction to resume quickly.
Hotels in Darjeeling saw fewer visitors in November but had more tourists around Christmas and early January.
Construction in Darjeeling has slowed due to workers attending SIR hearings in Islampur-Chopra.
Workers are staying home longer due to a religious event in February, further delaying construction.
The final voter list publication might be deferred beyond February 14 due to Supreme Court directives.
Tourism in Darjeeling was impacted in November 2023 due to the first phase of SIR exercises.
Hotel occupancy dropped to 43% in November 2023 from 64% in November 2024, but picked up around Christmas.
- Who
- Construction workers from Islampur-Chopra, North Dinajpur, and tourism stakeholders in Darjeeling
- What
- Disruption in construction and tourism due to SIR hearings
- When
- Ongoing hearings until February 7, potential deferral of final voter list
- Where
- Darjeeling hills, West Bengal, India
- Why
- Workers attending SIR hearings, leading to labor shortages and deferred travel plans
- Location
- Darjeeling hills, West Bengal, India
- Affected Workers
- Skilled construction workers from Islampur-Chopra, North Dinajpur
- Impacted Sectors
- Construction, Tourism
- SIR Process Dates
- Hearings until February 7, Final rolls by February 14 (tentative)
- Tourist Occupancy
- 64% in November 2024, 43% in November 2023
