Naxalbari, 16th February: Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad Sabhadhipati Arun Ghosh laid the foundation stones for two crematoriums in Naxalbari, bringing relief to local residents. The projects were inaugurated at Fakna Jote and Rakam Jote.
According to sources, approximately ₹21 lakh has been allocated from the Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad fund for the construction of the two crematoriums. At Fakna Jote, residents of five villages had long been performing last rites along the banks of the Chenga River under the open sky, often facing difficulties due to the lack of proper infrastructure. For the first time since Independence, a permanent crematorium will now be constructed in the area.
Similarly, villagers in Rakam Jote had to conduct last rites beside the Manja, a hilly river, without any proper facility. The foundation of the new crematorium there has been welcomed by locals.
Speaking on the occasion, Sabhadhipati Arun Ghosh said that development work is progressing across the Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad. He claimed that projects worth several crores have been undertaken in February alone across the subdivision, and took a swipe at the Left, stating that such development had not taken place even during their 34 years tenure.