Agencies, March 6, 2025 : The Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC), led by the Trinamool Congress, has announced the withdrawal of approval for a multi-functional building project initiated by the Sikkim government. The decision came within hours of Sikkim Chief Minister P.S. Tamang laying the foundation stone on Wednesday, sparking controversy between the two neighboring states.
The proposed building, planned to be a basement-plus-G-plus-10 structure, was to be constructed on a 2.1-acre plot within the Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) complex, off Hill Cart Road in Siliguri. The estimated cost of the project was ₹197 crore. The structure was designed to house the SNT office, some offices of the Sikkim government, a healthcare centre catering to economically weaker sections, staff quarters, and a modern bus terminus. The Sikkim government had aimed to complete the project within 36 months, making it a significant infrastructure development initiative for the state outside its territorial jurisdiction.
However, following the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb announced the withdrawal of approval, citing multiple concerns raised by local residents and civic authorities. He stated that the proposed healthcare centre was named ‘Sikkim Suswasthya Bhavan,’ which could create confusion among locals, as the Bengal government already runs healthcare centres under the ‘Suswasthya Kendra’ scheme. He emphasized that such confusion regarding public healthcare institutions could lead to administrative and operational complications.
Further concerns were raised over the approach road to the site, initially designated as Hill Cart Road in the December 2024 plan. The civic body determined that the road was not adequately equipped to handle increased traffic volume, particularly with the addition of a large multi-story building. The height of the proposed structure and its basement provisions also came under scrutiny, with officials expressing reservations about their impact on traffic congestion, structural feasibility, and urban planning regulations. Public complaints about these factors are said to have significantly influenced SMC’s decision to withdraw its approval for the project.
Apart from the infrastructural and administrative concerns, the withdrawal of approval is also seen in the context of recent tensions between the two states. Over the past few months, allegations have surfaced that waste from Sikkim was being dumped in Siliguri, leading to environmental and public health concerns. This has fueled local discontent, which may have played a role in the civic body’s decision. Some believe that the approval withdrawal is a reaction to this ongoing issue, as tensions between residents of Siliguri and authorities from Sikkim have been escalating.
The sudden cancellation of the project has drawn sharp reactions from political quarters, with BJP Sikkim demanding an inquiry into the matter. Party leaders have raised concerns about the procedural lapses and administrative irregularities surrounding the foundation stone-laying ceremony and the subsequent cancellation. They argue that the abrupt withdrawal, merely four hours after the ceremony, dishonors Sikkim’s government and undermines inter-state cooperation on development projects.
Sources within the Sikkim government mentioned that they are awaiting the official written communication from the SMC. Authorities in Sikkim have assured that they will review the matter carefully and take necessary steps to address the concerns raised by the civic body. However, they also expressed disappointment over the lack of prior discussions before the sudden revocation of approval, which they claim could have been avoided through proper inter-state coordination.
With this setback, Sikkim authorities will now need to revise and resubmit the project proposal for reconsideration. Experts believe that this incident highlights the growing complexities of urban planning and inter-state relations in India. While the need for infrastructure development remains a priority, such projects require careful consideration of local sentiments, administrative policies, and environmental concerns. The coming weeks will determine whether the two state governments can negotiate a resolution or if this incident will further strain relations between West Bengal and Sikkim.
