The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) laid the foundation stones for five projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission in different areas of Sukhiapokhri block of Darjeeling district on Sunday.

Altogether, around Rs 49 crores would be spent for the projects to provide drinking water supply to each household in four tea estates — Chamong, Samrik, Turzum and Salebung — and also in the Pokhriabong Khasmahal area of the block.

Anit Thapa, the chief executive of the GTA who was present at the event, said that they are trying to extend water supply to people dwelling across the hills.

“There should be no politics over drinking water. We want the projects to finish at the earliest and no one should create any situation that can deter the projects,” Thapa said.

Jal Jeevan Mission, initiated by the Centre, aims to give drinking water in all households in India within 2024.

In Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills, water supply has always been a major issue, both in urban and rural areas. Time and again, political parties have flagged it and have demanded comprehensive drinking water schemes.

A few days back, Raju Bista, the BJP MP of Darjeeling, announced that the Centre has agreed to fund drinking water supply schemes under AMRUT 2.0 for hill towns Mirik and Kalimpong.

“We have also requested to include Kurseong under the scheme,” Bista had said.

When Thapa on sunday laid the foundation stones of five drinking water schemes – all in rural areas, political observers said he and his party – the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha, is keen to retain support of rural areas.

“There are enough indications that the panchayat elections would be held in the hills, after a gap of two decades. Drinking water supply has always been an important issue in hills, especially in local polls. It is evident that the BGPM wants to draw support from rural areas by coming up with drinking water projects worth crores,” said a veteran in hill politics.

Rocker cop MC Rana performed solo at the Darjeeling Riders’ Meet at Chowrasta in Darjeeling on Sunday. The frontman of 1980s’ popular band ‘Dreamers’ rendered his original composition “Oh! Sister” to express solidarity with the people of Ukraine who have been facing the brunt of the Russian attack. “I can feel your silent tears. Yes, I know how it feels to lose and lose everything…” sang MC, who is a serving police officer, from his song "Oh! Sister”. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Reporting by Rajeev Ravidas