West Bengal advances Himalayan Hill City plan

The West Bengal government is moving ahead with plans for a Himalayan Hill City project linking Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik.

Officials said the initiative will focus on infrastructure upgrades, tourism development, drinking water projects, sanitation improvements and civic-service modernisation across the region, reported The Times of India.

The programme also includes housing initiatives and technology-based civic management systems.

Authorities said a special task force will be established to address trafficking and child-marriage concerns in the region.

The proposed development is intended to strengthen connectivity and improve civic infrastructure across North Bengal.

Officials indicated that multiple government departments will be involved in planning and implementation of the initiative.

The project is among the largest regional planning exercises announced for the hill districts in recent years.