Member of Parliament from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, met with Hari Mohan Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of IRCON International Limited and raised several important issues concerning the people living along the Sevoke-Rangpo Rail Line, especially those affected by the October 2023 floods. During the meeting, Raju Bista appreciated the work IRCON has done through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. He said these CSR activities have helped many communities living near the Teesta River and also strengthened local support for the Sevoke-Rangpo railway project. He praised the company’s commitment to development in the region and said their efforts have made a real difference on the ground. However, Bista also highlighted the serious problems caused by the floods that struck the region in October last year. He informed the IRCON CMD that nearly 500 families were displaced by the disaster. Many of them lost their homes, belongings, and means of livelihood. He said that despite the large-scale destruction, the West Bengal government has not yet provided any proper support or relief to the affected families. Many people are still living in temporary shelters, with very little help in rebuilding their homes or their lives.
Bista further said that the construction work of the Sevoke-Rangpo rail line has also led to some damages in nearby areas, which has added to the difficulties faced by local residents. He requested IRCON to extend its CSR support in these troubled areas and help those who are still struggling after the floods. The MP put forward several specific suggestions for CSR activities. He asked IRCON to help improve medical facilities in the region, modernize local schools, develop better sanitation systems, and work on drinking water infrastructure. He also urged the company to repair the bridge that connects Rongchong and Sitong villages, as the bridge is an important route for local people and its damage has affected daily life and transport.
Bista said that these steps would not only help in the recovery of the flood-hit families but would also support the long-term development of the region. He expressed hope that IRCON would respond positively and continue to support the people through its CSR initiatives. Raju Bista said he would continue to push for more support for the people of his constituency. He stressed that both government and private organisations must come together to rebuild lives and restore normalcy in the region.