The state municipal affairs and urban development department has sanctioned a sum of Rs 12 crore for infrastructure development of Jaigaon, the town in Alipurduar district on the India-Bhutan border.

“We thank the state government for sanctioning the fund. It will be spent for improvement of roads, sewerage and solid waste management of Jaigaon. We have spoken with officials of Kalchini block (Jaigaon is located under this block in Alipurduar)) and have also sought some projects from them. The state fund will help in giving a facelift to Jaigaon and its surrounding areas,” said Gangaprasad Sharma, the chairman of Jaigaon Development Authority (JDA).

Jaigaon is close to Phuentsholing, the commercial capital of Bhutan and the most popular entry route to the Himalayan kingdom from India.

Over the years, members of the business community and residents in general dwelling in Jaigaon have demanded better infrastructure in the town, whose shabby look is in sharp contrast with Bhutan’s Phuentsholing.

“On our side, the roads are narrow and there is no parking space for vehicles. Also, our town has no proper waste disposal system is unlike Phuentsholing which is neat and clean. The roads in Phuentsholing are wide with dedicated parking lots. We, too, want a clean town with proper infrastructure. It is good that the state government has sanctioned funds for our town,” said a trader based in Jaigaon.

Sharma, the JDA chairman, said he has identified around 18 roads which require extensive repairs and drainage. Also, some localities, which are beside hilly streams flowing down from Bhutan, have been identified, he said.

“During the monsoon months, these streams swell and cause flash floods and minor landslides, damaging roads and houses. Appropriate protection work would be carried out in these sites,” Sharma explained.