Raju Bista launches online feedback initiative to address road and water supply issues

DARJEELING,: In a bid to address ongoing infrastructural and utility concerns in his constituency, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has launched two Google Forms for public feedback regarding the condition of roads and issues related to the “Har Ghar Jal” and “AMRUT” schemes. The initiative aims to collect complaints from local residents, which Bista intends to issues to the concerned government ministries for action.

"Over the past few months, I have travelled across different parts of the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency. Through my visits, I have first-hand witnessed how difficult life has become for a large number of our citizens, because of two major problems - damaged roads and incomplete water supply projects," said Bista in a press release.

The Darjeeling MP claimed that almost all the areas he visited, roads were in bad shape with many not repaired for a long time.

"On top of which, some portions have been washed away or damaged by recent landslides and floods. These broken roads make it hard for people to travel, reach schools, hospitals, or even markets," Bista said.

He also maintained that the people had also raised serious concerns about how the "Har Ghar Jal" and "AMRUT schemes" were being carried out.

"During my visits, many citizens spoke about non-functional taps, most without water supply along with substandard pipelines and materials used. They also took out the point of incorrect identification of water sources, delay in No Objection Certificate issuance by the Forest department, lack of departmental supervision and monitoring, lack of awareness about the project among the local communities and selection of unqualified contractors among others," said Bista adding that clean drinking water which should have reached every home by now was still out of reach for many.

In response to these challenges, Bista has launched two Google Forms to facilitate public participation. The first form allows residents to report issues related to the condition of roads in their area and upload supporting photos or videos. The second form seeks to gather complaints about the “Har Ghar Jal” and “AMRUT” projects, specifically related to water supply problems.

"All the information collected will be put together in reports that I will send to the concerned ministries so that proper action can be taken," said Bista.

He requested everyone to take out a few minutes to share their feedback.  "Together, we can make sure that every family gets clean water, and that our roads are repaired for safe travel once again," he said.