Darjeeling's Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has leased out nine tourism properties in the Sandakphu-Phalat area to private parties due to their failure to generate sufficient revenue. These properties, mostly lodges and trekking huts along the Himalayan trail, were found to be in need of repairs estimated at Rs 6.72 crore. Sandakphu, the highest point in Bengal at 12,000 feet, is renowned for its trekking trail. The leasing decision has sparked controversy, with some alleging favouritism in property selection. GTA member Noran Sherpa defended the process, noting that a committee assessed properties' financial health before leasing them.
In a bid to address financial challenges caused by a lack of revenue generation, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has recently leased out nine tourism properties situated in the Sandakphu-Phalat area to private entities. These properties, predominantly consisting of lodges and trekking huts along the renowned Himalayan trail, were found to be in need of significant repair, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs 6.72 crore.
Noran Sherpa, the GTA Sabha member responsible for tourism, stated that the department has recently conducted a survey of all these nine properties, after which it was estimated that around Rs 6.72 crore were needed for repairs. However, the properties are not generating the requisite revenue to meet these needs sufficiently.
Sandakphu, located at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet, stands as the highest point in the Bengal region and is celebrated for its scenic trekking trail that straddles the open border area between India and Nepal. Typically spanning six to seven days, this trek commences from Maneybhanjyang, situated about 24 kilometers from Darjeeling, and concludes either in Maneybhanjyang or Rimbick. Alternatively, tourists can travel to Sandakphu and Phalut, separated by a distance of 21 kilometers, in 4X4 vehicles.
Many of the tourist lodges in this area were originally constructed by the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) before being succeeded by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) in 2012. At the moment, there are 26 tourism properties under the GTA.
However, some in the region have raised concerns about the leasing process, alleging that the GTA handed over the properties to individuals lacking experience in the industry. "People who are close to the power corridors in the GTA are getting these properties on rent," expressed a local resident.
GTA vehemently denied these allegations, stating that the process of allocation included setting a base value price and an auction wherein the highest bidder secured the tender to run the property. Further, a committee formed by the GTA meticulously oversaw the rental process for these tourist accommodations and made decisions based on their financial viability.
Tourism plays a vital role in the economic landscape of the hills, yet there have been complaints about the maintenance of many tourist sites. Locals alledge that several taxi operators have stopped taking tourists to Rock Garden and Gangamaya Park because of the poor condition of roads and many trekking sites are said to be poorly maintained, further deterring tourists.
As the tourism industry grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic and the need for infrastructure improvements, the GTA's decision to lease out these properties to private entities reflects a strategic effort to ensure the sustainable growth of this vital sector in the Darjeeling region.
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