MP Raju Bista Reviews Rural Concerns in Kalimpong, Inspects Structural Issues at Selroti Loop Bridge.

Kalimpong Khabar News 24 May:

Kalimpong, May 24: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista continued his grassroots outreach under the “Gaon Chalo Abhiyaan” with a visit to Yok Printam and neighboring villages in Kalimpong district. During his interactions with villagers and a community meeting held at the local Community Center, he heard pressing grievances related to poor road conditions, water scarcity, and administrative neglect.

Residents specifically raised alarm over the deteriorated stretch from Keshmati Dara to Rongul and the main village road, which they said severely hampers connectivity, emergency services, and access to markets. Water supply remains another major concern, with significant delays in the implementation of the Har Ghar Jal scheme.

Villagers also expressed frustration that senior administrative officials—including the District Magistrate, Block Development Officer, and GTA authorities—seldom visit rural areas, leaving many of their issues unaddressed.

In response, MP Bista assured the public that he has already reached out to relevant authorities to expedite the water scheme and will take up the road connectivity issues as a priority. He also urged government officials to increase field visits to better understand and address rural challenges.

Separately, the MP, accompanied by officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), visited the newly constructed Loop Bridge—commonly known as the Selroti Bridge or Snake Bridge—on National Highway 717A near Bagrakote. The visit follows recent media reports highlighting potential structural damage to the bridge.

Located in a region that falls within Seismic Zone IV and receives some of the highest rainfall in India, the Kalimpong-Darjeeling belt is particularly vulnerable to landslides and infrastructure degradation. NH-717A, designed as an alternative to NH-10, is seen as a critical link for ensuring reliable connectivity to Kalimpong and Sikkim.

Expressing concern over the reported issues, Bista has written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, requesting a comprehensive review of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), design, and construction quality not only of the bridge but of the entire surrounding stretch of NH-717A. He has also called for an independent inquiry into the performance of the executing agency to ensure accountability for any construction lapses.

“I have emphasized the need for immediate remedial measures and slope stability assessments. NHIDCL has informed me that their top structural engineers are reviewing the design and planning necessary interventions,” Bista said.

He reassured the public that the bridge will not be inaugurated until all safety, structural, and design concerns are fully addressed. “Public safety and long-term viability of this vital infrastructure are our top priorities,” he stated.

MP Bista’s proactive efforts to address both rural development concerns and infrastructure integrity signal a comprehensive approach to tackling the region’s challenges, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term resilience.