XII LOK SABHA DEBATES,   Session I 

Friday, March 27, 1998 / Chaitra 6,  1920  (Saka)



Type of Debate: MATTERS UNDER RULE 377		

Title: Need to release special grant to State Government of West Bengal to
meet drinking water scarcity in hilly areas of Darjeeling district.

TEXT :
 17.44 hrs .


SHRI ANANDA  PATHAK  (DARJEELING):   A serious situation has arisen due to the
acute scarcity of drinking water  in  the  hilly  areas  of  the  district  of
Darjeeling, namely,  Darjeeling  Sadar  and  two  other  sub-divisions.    The
scarcity is felt more  seriously  in  Dadar  Sub-division  during  the  summer
season.   The  local  population  as  well  as the seasonal tourists miserably
suffer during this period due to  want  of  water.    They  are  compelled  to
purchase a  bucket  of water at the rate of Rs. 10 to Rs. 15.  That too is not
available sufficiently.  Due to lack of water, Hydel Power Project, irrigation
and other essential services are  also  seriously  affected.    To  ease  this
situation and remove the scarcity of water, a huge amount of money is required
which  is  beyond  the  means  of  the  State  Government  within  its limited
resources.

	I urge upon the Union Government to look into this  problem  seriously
and sanction a special grant apart from the usual fund sanctioned to the State
Government and Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council.

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