Darjeeling Economic Development Council

23/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Darjeeling Economic Development Council Seeks Accountability on Kurseong Ropeway Project

Darjeeling/Kurseong, March 2026:
The Darjeeling Economic Development Council (DEDC) has formally raised concerns regarding the long-pending ropeway project connecting Giddhey Pahar to Rohini Tourist Complex in Kurseong. In a letter addressed to the Principal Secretary of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), the Council has sought detailed clarification on financial, procedural, and administrative aspects of the project.

The ropeway project, originally envisaged as a major tourism and infrastructure initiative, has reportedly remained incomplete for a prolonged period. Recently, an E-bid and e-quotation notice was issued for the completion, operation, maintenance, and transfer of the project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for a period of 30 years. This development has prompted the Council to question whether due diligence and mandatory procedures were followed prior to re-tendering.

In its communication, the Council has specifically sought information on:

- Whether the earlier contract was properly terminated or closed
- Whether a financial and technical audit of the incomplete project was conducted
- Whether asset valuation and feasibility assessments were undertaken
- Whether approvals from competent authorities were obtained
- Whether transparency and procurement guidelines were adhered to

The Council emphasized that the request for information is made in the larger public interest to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper utilization of public funds.

Speaking on the matter, the Council stated that public infrastructure projects of such importance must follow due legal and financial procedures, and any deviation must be clarified to maintain public trust.

The Darjeeling Economic Development Council has urged the GTA authorities to treat the matter with urgency and provide the requested information at the earliest.

Issued by:
Darjeeling Economic Development Council (DEDC)

07/12/2025

PRESS RELEASE:

Darjeeling Economic Development Council (DEDC)
2nd Annual General Meeting – 6 December 2025 | Siliguri

The Darjeeling Economic Development Council (DEDC) held its 2nd Annual General Meeting at BukAnt Publication House, Siliguri, with members participating through both physical and online platforms.

The AGM commenced with the welcome note from the President Mr. Subash Mani Singh. , followed by a Group Mediation conducted by Mr. Suraj Kumar Singh (Retired Engineer), emphasising coordinated planning, disciplined dialogue, and collective development strategies.

New Office Bearers Appointed

Mrs. Nilima Tamang – Secretary, DEDC

Mr. Suraj Kumar Singh – Vice President, DEDC

Speakers & Their Key Highlights

1. Subash Mani Singh

Topics: Special constitutional provisions for Darjeeling and Budget, Revenue and Resources.

Administrative inefficiencies and jurisdictional overlaps

Revenue resources, budget mobilisation, and financial sustainability

Focus: Strengthening governance mechanisms and ensuring transparent, efficient utilisation of resources.

2. Sudha Pasi

Topics: Healthcare strengthening in remote hill blocks

Sanitation and solid waste management

Environmental protection in fragile Himalayan ecosystems
Focus: Sustainable public health systems and environmental resilience.

3. Bikram Rai

Topics: Land status of tea garden areas, forest villages, and residential settlements

Tenancy rights and long-pending regularisation issues

Focus: Securing land rights, improving livelihood stability, and resolving historical land disputes.

4. Mrs. Nilima Tamang

Topics: Education reform and vocational training

Youth unemployment and skill development

Expanding tourism infrastructure and cultural tourism

Focus: Tourism-driven growth, community participation, and youth employability.

5. Mr. Suraj Kumar Singh

Topics: Strengthening the Darjeeling tea industry

Exploring new markets and diversification

Initiating UNESCO heritage recognition for tea landscapes

Focus: Elevating global competitiveness and protecting heritage tea zones.

Key Developmental Resolutions

Infrastructure:

Urgent need for an all-weather alternative route to NH-10 due to frequent landslides and mobility disruptions in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong.

Advocacy for immediate government action on surveys, DPR preparation, and land acquisition.

Sports Infrastructure:

Support for establishing a National-level multi-sport stadium in Kalimpong, with land identification and consultation with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

Heritage Protection:

Documentation and protection of heritage lands, monuments, and tea landscapes.

Initiation of a process for UNESCO recognition of selected heritage zones.

Formation of a Heritage & Conservation Committee.

Closing Ceremony:

The AGM concluded with a formal closing address by Mr. Utpal Kumar Roy, who thanked all participants and emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration, transparent implementation, and community-driven developments.

04/12/2025

We are cordially invite you to join our 2nd Annual General Meeting at Siliguri on 6th of December, 2025.

To register please contact Gita @ +91 83899 77817 or email: [email protected]

01/05/2025

1st May marks International Labour Day — a global tribute to the dignity, strength, and rights of workers.

On this day, we honor the hands behind the world’s finest and most prized tea — the workers of Darjeeling.

Their labour crafts luxury for the world, yet they still await justice.

Let us stand together for fair wages, humane conditions, and the respect they truly deserve.

Justice. Dignity. Darjeeling.

23/10/2024

Darjeeling Economic Development Council writes to West Bengal Heritage Commission regarding the appoitment of the member of the Commission from any one of the hill civic bodies mandated under Section 4(e) of the West Bengal Heritage Commission Act 2001.

Council also appraised the Commision regarding the potential heritage sites in Gorkhaland Territorial Administration region yet to be listed in Heritage Commission, some of which may be accredited as the World Heritage under UNESCO.

18/09/2024

On this World Bamboo Day, Darjeeling Economic Development Council reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable bamboo development in the Darjeeling hill region.

Together, let's harness the power of bamboo for a greener, eco-friendly future and sustainable economic development. 🌿

07/09/2024

Tea Garden Report of West Bengal.

Daily News and Analysis (DNA) hosted by Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary, brings to you an analysis of the top news of the day. In this segment of D...

01/08/2024

Weekly Market Price of Spices in Sikkim State and Districts of Darjeeling & Kalimpong.
Dated : 1st August, 2024
Courtesy : Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Govt of India.

26/07/2024

Weekly Market Price of Spices in Sikkim State and Districts of Darjeeling & Kalimpong.
Dated : 25th July, 2024
Courtesy : Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Govt of India.

13/07/2024

India's first bamboo station emerges as Bangalore Metro's Bamboo Bazar Metro Station, pioneering complete bamboo decor and greenery.

With a budget of Rs 5-6 crore, this initiative highlights India's bamboo potential in sustainable construction, funded through BMRCL's CSR.

Scheduled to begin construction in three months, it aims to use Bambusa tulda wood from Tripura and enhance the 5 km stretch along Bannerghatta Road.

This effort underscores India's drive to leverage its vast bamboo resources, which are crucial for meeting rising demand.

Courtesy : TechDad

20/06/2024

Weekly Market Price of Spices in Sikkim State and Districts of Darjeeling & Kalimpong.
Dated : 20th June, 2024
Courtesy : Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Govt of India.

18/06/2024

Darjeeling Hills The Employment Crisis - The Cord Bharat

Explore the intricate socio-political landscape of Darjeeling Hills in our latest video, "Darjeeling Hills: The Employment Crisis." Unveil the decades-long e...