Environmental & youth development initiatives launched across Kurseong subdivision

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.