West Bengal Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister Agnimitra Paul today chaired a high-level administrative review meeting at Siliguri.

 

This is Ms Paul’s first official visit to the North Bengal region after assuming office. Discussions focused on municipal affairs, women and child development, social welfare, disaster management, sanitation, drainage, waste management, traffic regulation and the implementation of various government schemes.

 

Later, addressing the media, Ms. Paul said Darjeeling, Mirik, Kurseong, Kalimpong, and Siliguri will soon be developed as five Himalayan cities. She said, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal has expressed support for developing these towns, which is expected to boost tourism, trade, the tea industry, and the regional economy, as well as generate employment opportunities.

 

Ms. Paul said that strict measures will be taken to improve urban infrastructure and cleanliness. She announced that parking would be permitted only in designated areas from July 1, with penalties for illegal parking.