In a stunning display of resilience and community spirit, residents of Darjeeling and surrounding areas have taken it upon themselves to construct a bridge that was promised by the GTA (Gorkhaland Territorial Administration) but never materialized.
The bridge, intended to span from Bijanbari to Darjeeling Bazaar, was promised back in 2020 with much fanfare and even a ceremonial puja to mark the beginning of construction. However, years passed without any progress, leaving locals frustrated and disillusioned with their elected officials.
Former GTA candidate, Yuwa Sakti Darjeeling vice president, who has since joined the “Hamro Party,” spearheaded a 28-day strike to protest the injustice of the stalled project. Despite efforts to hold GTA officials accountable, conversations were dismissed, leaving the community to fend for themselves.
Now, in 2024, approximately 25-30 social organizations, along with Ajay Edward’s support, have taken the initiative to construct the bridge independently. Their efforts have been met with challenges, including political interference from Khsitiz Goswami, West Bengal politician and PWD minister.
Despite setbacks, the community remains steadfast in their determination to see the project through. The bridge, once completed, will significantly improve travel time for residents of villages like Chungthung, demonstrating the power of grassroots action in the face of bureaucratic inertia.
