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Title : Regarding environment and water pollution in North Bengal and need to declare a spacial package for overall development of the region.
*SHRI PRASANTA KUMAR MAJUMDAR (BALURGHAT) : Hon. Chairman Sir, you all know that the state of West Bengal has two parts – North Bengal and South Bengal. North Bengal is well known for its scenic beauty and natural resources. It is a major tourist spot. People from all over the world flock here to enjoy the beauty of Darjiling, Terai Hills, Sikkim and other places. But there is high level of water pollution in the area due to which, now-a-days, less number of tourists visit these spots. Another set back of the region is the rising political unrest.
Earlier, there used to be dense, green forest, tea gardens, orange orchards and numerous birds and animals. Infact the northern region was rich in flora and fauna. But due to environmental pollution rainfall has also become less. So my demand is that in order to check pollution, during the monsoon season, the river water should be tapped and conserved so as to bring down water and air pollution. All the major rivers emerging from the hills can be properly utilized for this purpose. If that is possible then there will be a marked improvement in our atmosphere and environment.
This area is the gateway of eastern India so the Government should concentrate more on this region and declare a special package for overall development of the people of this area and North Bengal as a whole.
With these words, I thank you for allowing me to speak and end my speech.
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* English translation of the speech originally delivered in Bengali.