‘Water shortage, concrete & plastic choking sunrise point of Darjeeling’
Times of India | 23 February 2024
Kolkata: Green groups in Darjeeling have flagged concern about a grave ecological crisis at Tiger Hill, renowned for its breathtaking sunrise views of the majestic Kanchenjunga and Himalayan peaks. Environment activist Subhas Datta who visited Tiger Hill said the situation was dire and needed immediate remedial action.
Once declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1915 due to its rich biodiversity, Tiger Hill now bears the scars of unsustainable development. The site, crucial for Darjeeling’s water supply, has seen a drastic reduction in water availability, exacerbating the region’s water crisis.
“Tiger Hill is the catchment area from where the water is supplied to Darjeeling. There has been no effort to build a rain-water harvesting facility. Locals also alleged a serious reduction in rainfall over the years, due to rampant deforestation,” said Datta.
Darjeeling municipality chairman Dipen Thakuri said “Tiger Hill is part of a wildlife sanctuary and is a protected area. Only some parts like the viewpoint to see the sunrise are under the tourist department of GTA. Only the water reservoir is under the municipality and it was built in the British era.”
The water is stored in two lakes, North Lake and South Lake, at Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary near Tiger Hill before being supplied to households and business establishments. These two lakes are fed by 26 streams in the Khang Khola area. He admitted that rainwater harvesting is necessary at Tiger Hill and all across Darjeeling town.
The rampant influx of tourists has further deteriorated the situation. Mobile phone towers, including a concrete-clad tower, now dominate the landscape, posing a significant threat to the area’s fragile ecosystem, said the preliminary report Datta has prepared to draw the attention of the National Green Tribunal.
Despite its protected status, Tiger Hill is besieged by unregulated construction, vehicular pollution, and rampant plastic waste littering. The all-pervasive plastic waste and indiscriminate burning of trash have marred the once-pristine surroundings.
Datta emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive master plan to manage land use and implement rainwater harvesting measures. He stressed the necessity of a high-powered panel or task force to probe the situation and propose remedial actions.