Friday, Jul 04, 2025 09:15 [IST]
Last Update: Thursday, Jul 03, 2025 16:19 [IST]
DARJEELING, : A series of programs focusing on environmental conservation, plastic
waste management, and youth skill development were held across the Kurseong subdivision
on Thursday. Among the key initiatives launched was the ‘Jhora Rejuvenation’
program, aimed at preserving and restoring natural water sources in the hills.
The
main event took place at Chitrey and was jointly organized by the Darjeeling district
administration and the Kurseong Divisional Forest Office. The program also
marked the observance of Van Mahotsav, an annual tree-planting festival
celebrated across India.
Speaking
at the event, Kurseong Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) DebeshPandey said: “Today
we are observing International Plastic Bag Free Day by launching two major
initiatives, including ‘Jhora Rejuvenation’. Many of our natural water sources
in Darjeeling are facing pollution and degradation. By carrying out targeted
plantations, we aim to not only restore these sources but also enhance
biodiversity and improve soil quality in catchment areas.”
Darjeeling
District Magistrate PreetiGoyal added: “We have identified around 40 to 45
springs and jhoras that can be rejuvenated to serve as sustainable water
sources for the hills. We are also working to reintroduce native plant species
and implement contour bunding through the Forest department.”
She
noted that departments involved in the initiative include Irrigation,
Horticulture, Public Health Engineering (PHE), and the Forest department.
Also
in attendance was Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Chief Executive
AnitThapa, who stressed the urgency of water conservation in the region.
“Water
resources in the hills are depleting because we have not focused on restoring
them. It is essential to begin this work now. Most residents are unaware of how
to go about it, so training and awareness are key,” said Thapa.
“This
won’t happen overnight, but the project holds long-term benefits. It doesn’t
require massive funding—just commitment and effort,” he added.
As
part of Van Mahotsav, a large-scale plantation drive was conducted at the
Chitrey catchment area, a vital drinking water source and habitat for the
endangered Himalayan Salamander (Tylototritonverrucosus). The event saw
enthusiastic participation from school students, local residents, and
volunteers.
Simultaneously,
International Plastic Bag Free Day was observed at the Dow Hill Ecotourism
Spot, where the Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) officially declared
the area a ‘No Plastic Zone’. An awareness campaign was held, and a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the JFMC and the Kurseong
PanchayatSamity to formalize plastic waste collection and disposal systems.
In
another event held at the SubhasGhising Community Hall, three new skill
development courses were launched under the Utkarsha Bangla programme. These
include entrepreneurship development, homestay and
hospitality training, and garments manufacturing, designed to empower local
youth with practical, employment-ready skills.