CM hands over job letters, compensation to landslide victims’ families
The Statesman | 15 October 2025The chief minister also distributed pending compensation cheques, completing the payment of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of all victims of the natural calamity in Mirik, which falls under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) in Darjeeling district.
Addressing the bereaved families Ms Banerjee said: “The state government acted promptly and took necessary steps within 24 hours. Such swift response was never seen before.”
Earlier in the day, the chief minister visited several landslide-hit areas and relief camps across Mirik sub-division. Later, at the Sukhia Pokhri Block Office, she distributed appointment letters for the post of special home guard, urging the new recruits to discharge their duties in the police department with dedication.
Miss Banerjee also announced that the state government would provide Rs 1.2 lakh each to families who lost their homes in the disaster for rebuilding their houses.
During her visit to the affected hill areas, the chief minister proposed the development of a new eco-tourism hub between Pashupati and Sukhia Pokhri, similar to Lamahatta. “I want to develop an eco-tourism corridor here that can help local residents earn through homestays and attract more visitors,” she said.
On infrastructure restoration, Miss Banerjee stated that the damaged bridge at Dudhia, which connects Siliguri and Mirik, is being rebuilt, and a temporary bridge will be completed within a week to restore connectivity.
According to her, almost all roads blocked by landslides in Mirik subdivision have now been cleared. She also announced that she would hold a review meeting in Darjeeling on Wednesday with senior officials to assess the overall damage, reconstruction, and rehabilitation plans for those affected.
Meanwhile, GTA members conducted a review meeting on Monday to estimate the losses. Preliminary assessments suggest that damages in the GTA area may amount to nearly Rs 950 crore, sources said.
The CM visited a bereaved family near Mirik Lake, where two members had lost their lives in the tragedy. During her visit to a relief camp, a few children presented her with their own paintings and flowers. In return, the chief minister gifted them drawing books, pencils, and toys as a gesture of affection.
