Party takes stock of disaster preparedness
Darjeeling: The Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxists (CPRM) has said that the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) needs to have an audit immediately.
In a central committee executive meeting held at the party office here yesterday, spokesperson of the CPRM, Govind Chettri said: “There should be an audit for the GTA and we should all know where the money for programmes like Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and school mid-day meals go”.
He also said that his party feels that this is the right time for a united movement for a separate state of Gorkhaland.
He appealed to all supporters of Gorkhaland to become one for the cause.
In the meeting, speakers also expressed concern over the safety of Darjeeling and said that the administration should take immediate action in case of any major natural disaster strikes Darjeeling like it did neighbouring Nepal.
“What if there is a major earthquake in Darjeeling? As it is, we are regularly getting aftershocks. What will happen to Darjeeling then? Is there any precaution taken by the administration?” Mr. Chettri said.
“Neither do MP’s from Darjeeling speak up for this, nor does the party in power here do anything,” he added.
He further said: “We live in India and yet it seems we are not living in India as the administration does not seem to be bothered about the safety of our hills. There is no disaster Management team for the hills as well.”
The meeting also discussed how the number of high-rises is constantly going up in the town, and how it is a threat to the people of Darjeeling.
“Steps should be taken to ensure safety of tea garden labourers too. The labourers live in places of great risk and if another disaster strikes, it will be the labourers who will be homeless first.” Mr. Chettri said.
The party said that it will hold a public meeting in Darjeeling soon.
“The date has not been fixed, but we will organize a public meeting soon,” said Mr. Chettri.
