Sikkim: Citizen Action Party(CAP) Condems Minister N.B. Dahal’s Statement Blaming West Bengal PWD For Poor Maintenance of NH10

CAP has called on Minister Dahal to retract his statement immediately, citing the potential damage it could cause to the longstanding harmonious relationship between Sikkim and West Bengal.

The Citizen Action Party (CAP) of Sikkim has strongly condemned a recent statement made by Sikkim Minister of Roads and Bridges, N.B. Dahal, blaming PWD (Public Works Department) of West Bengal for the poor maintenance of NH-10.

Earlier, speaking exclusively to North East Live the Minister had threatened to gherao the PWD office in West Bengal to register a complaint, and had said that the Sikkim government should take over the maintenance of NH10, particularly the portions that pass through West Bengal.

CAP has urgedMinister Dahal to retract his statement immediately, citing the potential damage it could cause to the longstanding harmonious relationship between Sikkim and West Bengal. CAP has urged the government to adopt a more constructive approach by engaging in meaningful discussions with the West Bengal government rather than resorting to threats, which they believe will only stoke unnecessary tensions between the two states. The party has stressed the need to focus on improving Sikkim’s road infrastructure, which has been in dire condition, rather than making inflammatory remarks that detract from real issues.

Minister Dahal’s comments come at a particularly sensitive time, as the region is still grappling with the aftermath of a recent Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) along the Teesta basin, which caused significant damage to the road networks, including NH10.

CAP has criticised the Sikkim government for its inaction following the disaster, pointing out that no official delegation has been sent to engage with the West Bengal government on the restoration of NH10. Instead, the minister’s remarks have created a further strain on relations, at a time when cooperation between the two states is crucial.

CAP highlighted that despite prolonged blockages on NH10, alternative routes maintained by the West Bengal PWD, such as the Gangtok-Lava-Gourbathan, Panbu, and Jorethang-Takbar-Darjeeling routes, remained functional, ensuring the steady flow of traffic. In contrast, roads within Sikkim, including those leading to important areas like Lachen, are in poor condition, particularly after the GLOF. CAP criticised the Sikkim government’s lack of action to repair critical roadways, including the roads in the capital city of Gangtok, which remain in a deplorable state with no visible efforts toward improvement.

CAP also questioned why Minister Dahal has not prioritised the dire condition of roads within Sikkim, which have severely impacted the daily lives of residents, including drivers, students, and businesses. The party has urged the minister to focus on these internal issues before casting blame on WestBengal.

Additionally, CAP pointed out that Sikkim’s Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, has yet to engage in any meaningful dialogue with his West Bengal counterpart, Mamata Banerjee, to address the situation, despite the opportunity to do so on national platforms. CAP stressed that this lack of initiative only exacerbates the problem.

Moreover, CAP stated that the inflammatory statements will only harm relations between Sikkim and West Bengal, states that have historically enjoyed peaceful coexistence. It noted that the people of Sikkim, particularly drivers, students, and businesses, will bear the brunt of the negative impact if relations deteriorate further.

Also read: Sikkim Governor Meets ‘Pipons’ and ‘Dzumsa’ members , Discussing Road Repairs and Tourism Revival

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