Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang called on the West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at the Secretariat in Kolkata on Thursday and discussed several key issues concerning the states.
“During the meeting, we discussed several important matters. A key issue was the previously stalled proposal for the construction of a Suswastha Bhawan Sikkim, at the SNT Complex in Siliguri, intended to support people seeking medical treatment in the region,” Tamang said.
“The Chief Minister of West Bengal acknowledged the significance of this initiative and graciously accorded his approval, and directed the concerned department to issue permission. I express my sincere gratitude for his prompt and positive response,” he said.
The deliberations also focussed on the reciprocal transport agreement between the Governments of Sikkim and West Bengal, particularly the long-standing demand to enhance the quota of countersignature permits for Sikkim-registered taxis operating to West Bengal.
“In a significant and welcome decision, the Chief Minister of West Bengal approved an increase in the existing quota from 3,000 to 6,000 permits. This will enable a greater number of Sikkim-registered taxis to ply across various parts of West Bengal, especially Siliguri, thereby greatly benefiting our Sarathis and strengthening inter-state connectivity,” Tamang said.
The meeting further addressed the pressing issue of the rising Teesta riverbed following the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of 2023, which has caused extensive damage to National Highway 10 and disrupted connectivity to Sikkim.
It was mutually agreed that scientific sediment management through dredging of the Teesta River would be undertaken as a joint initiative between the Governments of Sikkim and West Bengal.
“I express my sincere thanks to the Chief Minister of West Bengal for the fruitful engagement and his prompt and positive decisions taken on these important matters,” Tamang said.
Sikkim CM Secures Key Agreements with West Bengal on Medical Facility, Taxi Permits and Teesta River Management
