Kolkata, July 2: Chief Ministers of Sikkim and West Bengal, Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) and Suvendu Adhikari, held a high-level meeting at Nabanna, the West Bengal State Secretariat in Kolkata, on Thursday to discuss key issues relating to inter-state cooperation, connectivity, transport and public welfare.
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| Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari exchange greetings during their meeting at Nabanna, Kolkata, on Thursday. (DIO Gangtok) |
At the outset, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) congratulated West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on assuming office and conveyed his best wishes for a successful tenure. The two leaders discussed several matters of mutual interest aimed at strengthening cooperation between the neighbouring states.
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the approval of the long-pending proposal to establish Suswastha Bhawan Sikkim at the SNT Complex in Siliguri. The proposed facility will provide accommodation and support to patients from Sikkim and their attendants travelling to Siliguri and nearby areas for medical treatment. The West Bengal Chief Minister approved the proposal and directed the concerned department to issue the necessary permission.
The two Chief Ministers also reviewed the reciprocal transport agreement between Sikkim and West Bengal, with particular emphasis on increasing the quota of countersignature permits for Sikkim-registered taxis operating in West Bengal. In a significant decision, the West Bengal Government approved an increase in the permit quota from 3,000 to 6,000, a move expected to benefit taxi operators while improving transport services and connectivity between Sikkim and Siliguri.
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Another key issue discussed was the impact of the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), which caused heavy sediment accumulation along the Teesta riverbed and inflicted extensive damage on National Highway-10, disrupting Sikkim's road connectivity.
Recognising the need for a long-term solution, both governments agreed to jointly undertake scientific sediment management through dredging of the Teesta River to reduce silt accumulation and improve connectivity.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both Chief Ministers reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation on infrastructure, transport, disaster management and public welfare for the benefit of the people of both states.
