8 months ago
Siliguri Mayor Hints at Expansion Amid 'Greater Siliguri' Demand
People living near Siliguri want the city's government area to grow bigger.
They say their neighborhoods have become more like cities, but they don't get good services because they're still run by smaller village councils.
The mayor of Siliguri recently built a big meeting room that can fit more people than current city council members.
This makes people think the city might grow bigger soon to include these neighborhoods.
Some important places in Siliguri are big hospitals and universities.
People hope this change will bring better services to their areas.
Residents of adjoining areas in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts demand inclusion in Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) for better civic amenities.
Rapid urban growth in areas like Uttarkanya and localities near major institutions has increased demand for 'Greater Siliguri'.
Current areas under gram panchayat control lack adequate infrastructure and resources for civic needs.
Mayor Goutam Deb hinted at potential SMC expansion by noting the new conference hall's capacity can accommodate more councillors.
The demand for expansion comes after the Trinamul Congress assumed power at the SMC.
- Who
- Residents of adjoining areas in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts, Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC), Mayor Goutam Deb
- What
- Demand for 'Greater Siliguri' by expanding SMC jurisdiction to include adjoining urban areas
- Where
- Siliguri, West Bengal, India
- When
- After Trinamul Congress assumed power at SMC, with recent hints from Mayor Goutam Deb
- Why
- To provide better civic amenities and governance to rapidly growing urban areas currently under gram panchayat control
Key facts
- Location
- Siliguri, West Bengal, India
- Current SMC Councillors
- 47
- New Conference Hall Capacity
- 150
- Key Institutions in Siliguri
- North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, City Centre, University of North Bengal
- Demanding Areas
- Adjoining areas in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts
Quotes
Gautam Deb
Mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation
“The new facility includes a dedicated media centre, cafeteria space, separate office areas for various civic departments and a lounge for councillors. It is connected to the existing administrative building through a gangway.”
telegraphindia.com
“We are also planning to develop a repertoire in the old building, showcasing historical photographs of the city and portraits of eminent personalities, including former heads of the civic body.”
telegraphindia.com
Amit Jain
Leader of the opposition and BJP councillor
“It has come to our notice that some people are dumping garbage in an unscientific and indiscriminate manner, causing inconvenience to conservancy workers. We urge the civic board to take stringent action against such offenders in accordance with civic bylaws.”
telegraphindia.com
Manik Dey
Member of the mayor-in-council (Conservancy)
“As of now, SMC is currently collecting conservancy fees amounting to around ₹30 lakh per month, which is significantly higher compared to the ₹7 lakh that were collected in a month during the previous Left front–led civic board.”
telegraphindia.com
