Darjeeling open to tourists

Darjeeling, ‘the Queen of hill stations’ always exercises a fantastic spell over those who are enamored of the Himalayas. There are many things to fascinate the tourists there. But the majestic view of the ever snow-capped Kanchenjunga is something which is literally transfixing.

All the year round people from different parts of India keep pouring into this picturesque hill station in enormous numbers. But so far as the Bengalis are concerned their love for this place is simply indescribable. Mr Gopal Lama, deputy director, department of tourism, Government of West Bengal, becomes effusive while speaking of the Bengalis’ long enduring attachment with this place. “Really it is incredible~the Bengalis’ indomitable passion for the Darjeeling hills”, he said. “The roads are almost impassable owing to the huge presence of the tourists. The festive season is continuing. The climate also is extremely soothing with the mercury dropping down to eight degree centigrade with the fall of night”, he said.When asked about the problem of water scarcity and power cuts which prove to be a sort of a dampener for this celebrated tourist spot, he said: “The problem of water scarcity is there. It has always been there. “But the fact is that the tourists take this problem in their stride while enjoying the transcendental beauty of the hills.

As for the problem of frequent power cuts the situation is improving.” Regarding the problem of transportation Mr Lama has said: “Many alternative routes have been opening up. One can go to Darjeeling via Kurseong through Pankhabari and Rohini. There are other roads also via Mirik and Mongpu. “The pressure on the traditional Hill Cart Road is therefore naturally decreasing”, he remarked. Brushing aside the problem of political tension he affirmed, “GNLF factions are there. Besides, there are internecine feuds between them too. But they have nothing to do with the tourists, who enjoy free movement here.”

Source: The Statesman