Siliguri, 29th June: Tension prevailed in the Shantipara area under Fulbari-I Gram Panchayat following allegations of encroachment by filling a government water body. The allegations have been directed against BJP panchayat member Dipali Roy. On Monday, local residents staged a protest in front of the water body and expressed strong resentment against the panchayat member.
According to local residents, the government water body had remained in its original state for nearly 40 years and was not filled during the tenure of either the Left Front or the Trinamool Congress governments. However, they alleged that after the BJP-led panchayat board came to power, trucks carrying sand were brought in to fill the government water body.
Residents further alleged that they were initially informed that the land would be filled for the construction of a road. However, a banner was later put up announcing plans to construct a temple at the site, leading to growing dissatisfaction in the area. Locals also claimed that a mediation meeting had been held regarding the issue, but despite that, the filling work did not stop.
Members of Ekata Sangha Club and local residents have already lodged a written complaint with the New Jalpaiguri Police Station. They alleged that filling a government water body violates both environmental norms and the law. They demanded an immediate halt to the work, a neutral investigation into the matter, and appropriate legal action.
On the other hand, responding to the allegations, panchayat member Dipali Roy stated that there are plans to construct a temple at the site.