Darjeeling News

Bengal shivers under cold spell; Kolkata records seasons coldest night of 2025

West Bengal is experiencing severe cold. Minimum temperatures have dropped below 10 degrees Celsius in many areas. The sub-Himalayan districts will continue to face this chill for another week. Light rain or snow is forecast for Darjeeling. South Bengal citizens can expect some relief soon. Morning fog is also predicted across the state.

Bengal weather alert: Cold wave tightens grip with dense fog, severe AQI in Kolkata; snowfall likely in Darjeeling

West Bengal is under a severe cold wave. Dense fog and falling temperatures are disrupting daily life. Air quality has worsened significantly. Kolkata recorded its coldest December morning. Sub-Himalayan districts are experiencing even lower temperatures. Light snowfall is possible in higher reaches. Fog is expected to persist, impacting travel by air, rail, and road.

Cold wave, dense fog grip north and east India

Large parts of north and eastern India continued to reel under intense cold and dense fog on Saturday, disrupting normal life and prompting weather warnings across several states. Sub-zero temperatures were recorded in Kashmir, while parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Jharkhand and West Bengal reported cold day or cold wave conditions, according to the India Meteorological Department. In Uttar Pradesh, dense to very dense fog prevailed across many districts, with daytime temperatures remaining well below normal. Gorakhpur recorded a maximum of 13.2 degrees Celsius, 7.4 degrees below average, while Prayagraj saw a high of 16.8 degrees Celsius, down by over six degrees. Varanasi, Bareilly, Etawah, Bahraich and Barabanki also reported daytime temperatures four to six degrees below normal. Minimum temperatures in the state ranged between 6 and 11 degrees Celsius, with Etawah recording a low of 6.2 degrees. In Lucknow, the maximum temperature stood at 18 degrees Celsius, while high humidity levels contributed to gloomy conditions. The weather department forecast dense fog during late night and morning hours, with dry weather likely to continue. Rajasthan also witnessed cold and dry conditions, with fog reported at isolated places in the Udaipur and Kota divisions. Karauli was the coldest location in the state, recording a minimum temperature of 3.1 degrees Celsius. Jaipur registered a low of 9.6 degrees, while Barmer recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 29 degrees Celsius. The weather is expected to remain cold and dry in the coming days. Punjab and Haryana remained in the grip of intense cold, with dense fog enveloping several areas. In Punjab, Ballowal Saunkhri in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district was the coldest at 4.4 degrees Celsius. Gurugram recorded the lowest temperature in Haryana at 4.9 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh recorded a minimum temperature of 6.9 degrees Celsius. Dense fog also covered the national capital on Saturday morning, while air quality remained in the very poor category. The overall Air Quality Index stood at 355 at 9 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 7.8 degrees Celsius, with foggy conditions likely to persist through the day. Cold weather conditions prevailed across West Bengal as well, with Darjeeling emerging as the coldest place in the state at 5.8 degrees Celsius. In the plains, Alipurduar recorded a minimum of 8 degrees Celsius. Shallow to moderate fog is likely to continue over parts of the state over the next few days, the IMD said. In Jammu and Kashmir, night temperatures dipped below freezing at most places due to clear skies. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, while Sonamarg was the coldest place in the Union Territory at minus 5.8 degrees. The weather office has forecast generally dry conditions till December 29, with the possibility of rain and snowfall around New Years Eve. Jharkhand also witnessed cold wave conditions, with the mercury dropping below 10 degrees Celsius in several districts. Gumla recorded the lowest temperature at 3.6 degrees Celsius. The IMD issued a yellow alert for cold wave conditions in six districts, warning that the cold spell is likely to persist till Sunday morning. Amid the severe cold, at least four members of a family, including three children, died of suffocation in Bihars Saran district after a fire was lit in a closed room to keep warm. Two others were found unconscious and were admitted to hospital. Police said the incident occurred early Saturday morning in the Bhagwan Bazar area. A forensic investigation has been initiated, and the case is being probed from all angles. (With inputs from PTI)

Fresh protests erupt in West Bengal against Bangladesh lynching

KOLKATA: Fresh incidents of demonstrations in Kolkata and several districts across West Bengal were reported on Wednesday in protest against the brutal killing of a Hindu Bangladeshi youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Mymensingh. Violence erupted at Howrah Station this afternoon when police prevented demonstrators belonging to the BJP from reaching the Howrah Bridge, the prime lifeline connecting Kolkata and the south Bengal districts. The demonstrators were protesting against the Mymensingh incident in Bangladesh and were involved in heated arguments with security personnel on Howrah Bridge. We will not let anyone hamper normal life and cause trouble to commuters in the name of protest. We will act in accordance with the law to thwart any attempts to create trouble, said a senior officer of Howrah Police. As police prevented the march from proceeding, protesters squatted on the road and attempted to break through barricades, leading to scuffles. Bangladesh government pledges responsibility for family of lynched Hindu worker Dipu Das The area was barricaded, and as protesters raised slogans while sitting on the road, police moved in to disperse them. Police alleged that the demonstrators turned aggressive, forcing security personnel to take action to disperse the protest. Unrest was also reported along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Siliguri of Darjeeling district and Petrapol or Ghozadanga borders in North 24 Parganas district when different groups of Hindutva organisations demonstrated by blocking trucks carrying export and import items. Activists of Sanatani Jatiotabadi Mancha, a Hindutva platform, blocked the road at the Ghozadanga border and prevented trucks carrying goods from entering Bangladesh in protest against the atrocities against minority Hindus in Bangladesh. One agitator, Rajendra Saha, said, We want the Indian government to stop all trade and diplomatic relations with Bangladesh, where minority Hindus like Dipu Chandra Das are being killed and tortured by the majority there. On December 18, Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old garment factory worker, was lynched by a mob and his body set on fire over alleged blasphemy in Baluka in Bangladesh's Mymensingh. Hundreds of people attempted to march to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission on Tuesday in protest over the attack on minorities in the neighbouring country, but were stopped by the police midway, leading to a clash that left several injured. The rally started from Sealdah and was proceeding towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission's office in Park Circus, but was stopped by police in the Beckbagan area. As they tried to breach the barricade, police baton-charged the rallyists. On Monday, senior BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, along with other party leaders and supporters, staged a demonstration near the Deputy High Commission on the same agenda. Adhikari led a rally of around 2,000 people who squatted on the road after he was stopped by police from proceeding further. We want strict punishment for all those involved in the murder of Das. We want atrocities and attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh to be stopped immediately. If there is no end to attacks on Hindus, we will return with 10,000 people on December 26, he threatened. On Tuesday, a similar protest was organised outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. However, chaos erupted soon after as hundreds of protestors affiliated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal clashed with police. An officer said a 15,000-strong police force was deployed ahead of the demonstration. He said police managed to hold the protesters about 800 metres from the high commission. Anti-Bangladesh protests erupt near Deputy High Commission in Kolkata; 12 arrested

Fresh demonstrations in Kolkata and other districts in WB in protest against Mymensingh incident

KOLKATA: Fresh incidents of demonstrations in Kolkata and several districts across West Bengal were reported on Wednesday in protest against the brutal killing of a Hindu Bangladeshi youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Mymensingh. Violence erupted at Howrah Station this afternoon when police prevented demonstrators belonging to the BJP from reaching the Howrah Bridge, the prime lifeline connecting Kolkata and the south Bengal districts. The demonstrators were protesting against the Mymensingh incident in Bangladesh and were involved in heated arguments with security personnel on Howrah Bridge. We will not let anyone hamper normal life and cause trouble to commuters in the name of protest. We will act in accordance with the law to thwart any attempts to create trouble, said a senior officer of Howrah Police. As police prevented the march from proceeding, protesters squatted on the road and attempted to break through barricades, leading to scuffles. Bangladesh government pledges responsibility for family of lynched Hindu worker Dipu Das The area was barricaded, and as protesters raised slogans while sitting on the road, police moved in to disperse them. Police alleged that the demonstrators turned aggressive, forcing security personnel to take action to disperse the protest. Unrest was also reported along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Siliguri of Darjeeling district and Petrapol or Ghozadanga borders in North 24 Parganas district when different groups of Hindutva organisations demonstrated by blocking trucks carrying export and import items. Activists of Sanatani Jatiotabadi Mancha, a Hindutva platform, blocked the road at the Ghozadanga border and prevented trucks carrying goods from entering Bangladesh in protest against the atrocities against minority Hindus in Bangladesh. One agitator, Rajendra Saha, said, We want the Indian government to stop all trade and diplomatic relations with Bangladesh, where minority Hindus like Dipu Chandra Das are being killed and tortured by the majority there. On December 18, Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old garment factory worker, was lynched by a mob and his body set on fire over alleged blasphemy in Baluka in Bangladesh's Mymensingh. Hundreds of people attempted to march to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission on Tuesday in protest over the attack on minorities in the neighbouring country, but were stopped by the police midway, leading to a clash that left several injured. The rally started from Sealdah and was proceeding towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission's office in Park Circus, but was stopped by police in the Beckbagan area. As they tried to breach the barricade, police baton-charged the rallyists. On Monday, senior BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, along with other party leaders and supporters, staged a demonstration near the Deputy High Commission on the same agenda. Adhikari led a rally of around 2,000 people who squatted on the road after he was stopped by police from proceeding further. We want strict punishment for all those involved in the murder of Das. We want atrocities and attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh to be stopped immediately. If there is no end to attacks on Hindus, we will return with 10,000 people on December 26, he threatened. On Tuesday, a similar protest was organised outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. However, chaos erupted soon after as hundreds of protestors affiliated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal clashed with police. An officer said a 15,000-strong police force was deployed ahead of the demonstration. He said police managed to hold the protesters about 800 metres from the high commission. Anti-Bangladesh protests erupt near Deputy High Commission in Kolkata; 12 arrested

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat begins four-day West Bengal visit amid run-up to assembly polls

KOLKATA: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat arrived at Bagdogra airport on Thursday to begin a four-day visit to West Bengal, during which he is scheduled to take part in several organisational programmes of the Sangh across the state. During his stay, on Thursday, Bhagwat will attend a youth programme in Siliguri in Darjeeling district . On Friday, he is slated to address a meeting of RSS functionaries in Siliguri, where he is expected to issue guidelines to Sangh activists. He will then travel to Kolkata, where he will hold a series of organisational meetings on Saturday and Sunday. Security has been tightened for the RSS chief throughout his visit. Political observers view Bhagwats Bengal tour as significant, coming at a time when the state is gearing up for assembly elections scheduled next year. They said the visit assumes importance amid an intensifying political climate in the state. Observers also pointed out that, setting aside issues such as corruption cases including the teachers recruitment scam involving the invalidation of appointments of 26,000 teachers, the Saradha and Narada scams, alleged coal and cattle smuggling, the rape and murder of a woman doctor at R G Kar Medical College Hospital, and the recent Salt Lake Stadium vandalism the forthcoming polls could, for the first time, see a sharper focus on religious polarisation between Hindus and Muslims under the Trinamool Congress regime, which has been in power since 2011. According to RSS insiders, Bhagwat has planned visits to several major states as part of celebrations marking the organisations ongoing centenary year, holding meetings with swayamsevaks across the country. His Bengal visit, they said, also comes against the backdrop of the BJP stepping up efforts to consolidate Hindu votes in the state, while countering Trinamool Congress chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees alleged Muslim appeasement ahead of the Assembly elections. Sources said Bhagwat, during his engagements in Siliguri and Kolkata, is keen to gauge the mood of minority voters in both north and south Bengal districts. Political observers noted that the BJPs Bengal unit has recently softened its stance towards the Muslim community, with leaders such as Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, attempting to reach out to Indian Muslims who respect the countrys traditional cultural heritage. The RSS-backed organisation Muslim Rashtriya Manch has also been active in this outreach, and Bhagwat has previously attended programmes organised by the platform. At 75, Bhagwat who may retire from his organisational post is said to be exploring broader support, including from sections of the Muslim community, for the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a post on X amid Bhagwats visit, claimed that her government has undertaken unprecedented initiatives for minority development in the state. She said around 30% of the Muslim population votes for the Trinamool Congress and highlighted increased budgetary support for minority welfare. The plan budget allocation for the minorities have gone up Rs 5,602 crore in financial year 2025-26 from Rs 472 crore in 2010-11, she said on X, while extending her best wishes on Minority Rights Day.

Against All Odds: With Own Funds, Locals Build Gorkhaland Bridge Near Darjeeling

Residents of Tungsung tea estate and Dhotrey valley built the Gorkhaland bridge near Darjeeling with local support, overcoming official obstruction.

Locals Pool In Money, Build A Bridge Called 'Gorkhaland' Near Darjeeling

Without government funding, residents contributed whatever amount they could to a common poll and built a bridge over Tungsung Khola, connecting Tungsung tea estate with Dhotrey valley near West Bengal's Darjeeling.

Severe cold grips north India; IMD warns of cold wave, fog across multiple states

NEW DELHI: Cold conditions prevailed across north India on Sunday, with the Amarnath yatra base camp being the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius and parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan reporting minimum temperatures between three and seven degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said cold wave conditions were very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha on Monday and Tuesday. In Delhi, the minimum temperature was recorded at eight degrees, up from 6.8 degrees a day ago and yet 1.6 notches below normal. The maximum temperature was 24.7 degrees Celsius, 0.1 notch below normal, while the relative humidity was 92 per cent in the morning. For Monday, the weather department forecast a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius, with mist expected. Pollution levels in Delhi remained in the very poor category on Sunday, prolonging the spell of toxic air that has hung over its residents for several weeks now. The city logged a 24-hour average AQI of 308. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor and 401 and 500 severe. Further in the north, the night temperatures in Kashmir rose by several degrees but stayed below the freezing point, officials said. The Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir, which serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath yatra, was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir as the minimum settled at a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- settled at minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, a rise of 3.2 degrees compared to the previous night. The gateway town to the valley, Qazigund, recorded a low of minus one degree Celsius, while the minimum settled at minus 0.8 degree Celsius in north Kashmir's Kupwara, and 1.1 degrees Celsius in south Kashmir's Kokernag, according to officials. The meteorological department said the weather would remain generally cloudy but dry on Sunday, and a brief spell of light snowfall at isolated places in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir is likely on December 8. In Himachal Pradesh, The IMD predicted dense fog in parts of the state until Wednesday. A yellow alert for dense fog was also issued in parts of the reservoir area of the Bhakra dam in Bilaspur district and over some parts of the Balh valley in Mandi district during early morning till Monday. In Punjab, Faridkot remained the coldest place, with the minimum temperature settling at 4.4 degrees Celsius, while in Haryana, Narnaul saw the lowest temperature at 4.6 degrees Celsius, according to the local meteorological department. Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, recorded a minimum temperature of 8.2 degrees Celsius. In Punjab, Bathinda and Gurdaspur recorded a minimum temperature of 4.6 degrees Celsius, while Ferozepur recorded 6 degrees, Amritsar 6.1 degrees, Ludhiana 6.8 degrees, and Patiala 8.9 degrees. In Haryana, Bhiwani recorded a low of six degrees, Hisar 6.2 degrees, Sirsa 6.6 degrees, Karnal seven degrees, Rohtak 7.8 degrees, and Ambala 9.8 degrees. Rajasthan, similarly, reeled under intense cold, the Meteorological Centre here said. Fatehpur in the Sikar district continued to record the lowest minimum temperature, albeit at 3.5 degrees Celsius, slightly up from 2.3 degrees a day ago. According to the weather department, Lunkaransar (Bikaner) recorded a low of 5 degrees Celsius, followed by Dausa at 6 degrees, Churu at 6.3 degrees, Vanasthali (Tonk) at 6.4 degrees and Jhunjhunu at 7.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday morning. The department said a fresh but weak western disturbance is likely to cause partly cloudy skies in some parts of the state over the next few days. Under its influence, the minimum temperature is expected to rise by two to three degrees Celsius, providing relief from the cold wave, it said. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, eight districts recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, noting a cold wave in parts of the state. Gumla recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 3.5 degrees Celsius up from three degrees Celsius while Khunti logged five degrees Celsius, the IMD weather bulletin stated. The minimum temperature in Jharkhand's capital, Ranchi, was 7.5 degrees Celsius, while Daltonganj recorded 6.5 degrees and Jamshedpur recorded 9.6 degrees Celsius. Deputy Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, Abhishek Anand, said, North-westerly winds prevailing in the lower tropospheric levels over Jharkhand have caused the drop in mercury. Dry weather conditions are likely to prevail across the state over the next five days.The minimum temperature may rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius during the next 72 hours, he added. In West Bengal, the mercury dipped below the 10-degree mark for the first time this winter in the state's plains with Sriniketan in Birbhum districts recording a minimum temperature of 9.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the IMD said. Its forecast for West Bengal suggested dry weather across all districts of West Bengal for the next week, with shallow to moderate fog likely in the northern districts. Darjeeling was the coldest in the hills at 6.2 degrees Celsius, while the other Himalayan tourist town of Kalimpong was warmer at 10.5 degrees Celsius. The other places which recorded low night temperatures are Alipurduar (11 degrees), Kalyani (11.4 degrees), Purulia (11.4 degrees) and Panagarh (11.9 degrees). Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 15.2 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, forecasting mist in the morning on Monday. IMD further predicted dense fog conditions in isolated pockets of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura between December 8 and 12. It was also very likely in parts of west Madhya Pradesh on Monday and in Odisha until Tuesday. In west India, a gradual fall by two to three degrees over the next three-four days is expected, and no significant change is anticipated thereafter, the IMD said.

India seeks bigger slice of China's expanding tea market at buyer-seller meet

India is actively promoting its tea exports to China, highlighting the growing popularity of varieties like Darjeeling and Masala tea. The nation's tea exports to China saw a significant increase from USD 20 million last year to USD 37 million in the first ten months of this year, indicating a rising demand beyond traditional green teas.

India seeks bigger slice of Chinas expanding tea market at buyer-seller meet

BEIJING, Dec 4: India has pitched for boosting its tea exports to China, where varieties such as Darjeeling and Masala tea have been gaining popularity among consumers traditionally inclined towards green tea. Leading Chinese tea houses on Wednesday took part in an Indian Tea Buyer-Seller Meet organised by the Indian Embassy here, featuring vibrant presentations on the tea cultures of both countries by Chinese professionals. Indias tea export to China, the worlds largest tea producer, stood at USD 20 million [] The post India seeks bigger slice of Chinas expanding tea market at buyer-seller meet appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Modi meets BJP MPs to firm up Bengal strategy

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked BJP MPs from West Bengal to counter the TMC government and work towards winning the assembly elections next year. BJP MPs from the state met the PM along with Khagen Murmu, Maldah Uttar MP who was attacked by a mob in October. The PM told us to keep fighting the West Bengal government to save democracy. We will remove this government, Union minister Sukanta Majumdar said after the meeting. Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said the PM highlighted BJP workers role in public outreach. He has encouraged us to continue the positive work and to take steps towards reaching out to every individual across the state, Bista posted on X.

No dead or untraceable voters found in 2,208 polling booths in West Bengal, ECI expresses concern

KOLKATA: In a startling revelation, the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls could not find any dead, duplicate or untraceable voters in 2,208 polling booths across West Bengal. The Election Commission of India (ECI) came to know about the matter after verifying the enumeration forms that have already been digitised. In the SIR exercise, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) distribute enumeration forms among voters during their door-to-door visits and collect them once they are filled. All enumeration forms from 2,208 booths were filled up and returned, suggesting that there were no dead, duplicate or untraceable voters in these booths. Expressing serious concern over the irregularities, the ECI on Monday sought reports from district magistrates (DMs), who also function as district electoral officers (DEOs), by Tuesday. The national poll panel has decided to keep special watch in these booths in districts of South 24 Parganas, Purulia, Murshidabad, Malda, Nadia, Bankura, Howrah, East Midnapore, Birbhum, North 24 Parganas, Jalpaiguri, Hooghly, South Dinajpur, West Midnapore, North Dinajpur, East Bardhaman, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kolkata North, and West Bardhaman. The Commission sources said, South 24 Parganas district has the highest number, with 760 such booths without any dead, duplicate or untraceable voters. Purulia records the second-highest number at 228 such booths followed by Murshidabad with 226. Nearly 14 lakh SIR forms identified as 'uncollectable' so far in West Bengal The sources said that the Commission has asked DEOs to clarify whether the names of deceased voters still appear on the electoral rolls, as it is difficult to believe that not a single dead voter was reported from any of the 2,208 booths. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday asked officers, including bureaucrats and sub-divisional officers (SDO), not to panic. Dont get panicked with the exercise because I am with you. They (Commission) has appointed a retired IAS office who is disturbing you, she reportedly told senior officials during a virtual conference in connection with development works in the state. The ECI has appointed Subrata Gupta , a retired bureaucrat, as the special roll observer in Bengal to supervise the SIR process in the state. Besides Gupta, the commission has also appointed 12 other serving IAS officers of the Bengal cadre as roll observers in districts across the state. West Bengal SIR: Over 21 lakh dead voters recorded till December 1

West Bengal becomes first State in the country to rename Raj Bhavan as Lok Bhavan

KOLKATA: Implementing a Central Government notification, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Saturday renamed the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata to 'Lok Bhavan'. The governor's office claimed that West Bengal is the first State in the country to change the name of the Raj Bhavan into Lok Bhavan. In a video posted by the office on X, Bose is seen replacing three letters L, O and K with R, A and J before Bhavan. The Union Home Ministry had issued a directive on the renaming of Raj Bhavan on November 25. On 27 March 2023, at the request of the Hon'ble Governor Dr C. V. Ananda Bose, the Hon'ble President Droupadi Murmu handed over the symbolic key of the then Raj Bhavan to the Hon'ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. It was in this historic moment that a new chapter began for Raj Bhavan Jan Raj Bhavan. , . . . , - Lok Bhavan, Kolkata, Social Media (@BengalGovernor) November 29, 2025 In pursuance of the communication from the Ministry of Home Affairs dated 25.11.2025, it is hereby notified that the name of the holdings of 'Raj Bhavan' in Kolkata, Flagstaff House and Darjeeling, has been modified and renamed as 'Lok Bhavan', a notification said. This notification comes into force with immediate effect, it also said. In a post on X, Bose said, The concept of the 'Jana Raj Bhavan' by the then Raj Bhavan, Kolkata, was prompted by the urge to make the establishment alive to the needs of the people, their aspirations, hopes, their problems and challenges. Simultaneously, the move was to shed its aura of 'awe and fear' and be open to people from all walks of life. The Raj Bhavan, now renamed as Lok Bhavan, serves as the governor's official residence and also houses his office. During the last three years, Raj Bhavan has initiated several constructive people-centric programmes. A key element of the Jana Raj Bhavan initiative was its proactive role in the service of people -- to be with them in their need. Whenever there was a situation of exigency -- be it violence, natural calamity, or even complaints of atrocities, in any corner of West Bengal, Jana Raj Bhavan reached out to people in need, he said. In tune with the transformational and inspirational leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has ensured the participation of people across all segments of society in the spectacular march towards Viksit Bharat, the Raj Bhavan and Raj Niwas across the country were uniformly decided to be renamed as Lok Bhavan and Lok Niwas respectively, as per a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 25 November, 2025, Bose added.

Darjeeling Woman Critical After Boyfriend Slits Her Throat Near Buddha Park in Bhubaneswar

Chandrasekharpur police have arrested the accused and will produce him in court

Gorkha Leader Warns Of Mass Resignations Over Interlocutor Appointment

Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front chief warned of mass resignations from the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, days after Mamata Banerjee wrote to PM Modi objecting to the Centre's appointment of an interlocutor for the Darjeeling hills.

Mamata Objects To Interlocutors Appointment In Darjeeling

The CM then pointed out, It is a matter of grave concern that without any further communication in response to my letter and despite your kind intervention, the Office of the Interlocuter under Ministry of Home Affairs, has, vide Memo dated 10th November 2025, communicated that the office of the interlocutor has already started functioning.

CM Mamata writes to PM once again to revoke appointment of interlocutor for Darjeeling on Gorkhas' issues

KOLKATA: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee wrote a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to revoke the appointment of an interlocutor for Darjeeling. This comes exactly 29 days after her first letter on 18 October. The Centre had appointed former deputy national security adviser Pankaj Kumar Mishra as 'interlocutor and government representative' on the issue of 'Darjeeling, the Dooars and the Terai', prompting the chief minister to oppose the move. In her second letter written to the Prime Minister today, Mamata said, It is a matter of grave concern that without any further communication in response to my letter and despite your kind intervention, the Office of the Interlocutor under Ministry of Home Affairs, has, vide Memo dated 10th November 2025, communicated that the office of the interlocutor has already started functioning. This is really shocking. The state government categorically rejects and strongly objects to this unconstitutional, arbitrary and politically coloured interference in the internal affairs of the State, the chief minister said in the letter. This unilateral and arbitrary action of the Central Government, undertaken without any consultation or concurrence of the Government of West Bengal, is wholly unconstitutional, without jurisdiction, and devoid of any legal sanctity. The said order has no foundation either in the Constitution of India or in any valid statutory provision, the letter added. The Darjeeling region is an inseparable and integral part of the State of West Bengal. It is governed by the Gorkha Territorial Administration Act, 2011, and a law duly enacted by the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and notified on 12th March, 2012, after getting the Presidential assent. The Act was designed to ensure self-governance in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong subdivisions, and under Section 2(h) of the said Act, the appropriate Government is expressly defined as the Government of the State of West Bengal, the letter stated. Pankaj Mishra, appointed in the rank of the secretary to the Union government, had been tasked with taking forward and recommending measures for social and economic upliftment, cultural recognition, preservation of the cultural heritage of Gorkhas in the region and addressing their aspiration within the constitutional framework of the country. Many believe that the latest development is an indicator that the Centre is looking to tread the issue cautiously following Mamatas strong objections. CM Mamata had immediately written to Modi expressing her surprise and consternation over the appointment, objecting to the unilateral decision of the Centre. The appointment of the interlocutor also comes at a time when the Assembly elections are scheduled in April-May next year in the state. The Opposition BJP, which has marked a phenomenal rise here since the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, has not fulfilled two of its key promises to Darjeeling. These include finding a 'permanent political solution' for the region, which is generally interpreted as Gorkhaland in the Darjeeling hills, even though the BJP has not specified what the term means, and granting tribal status to 11 Gorkha communities. If the support for Gorkhaland is unanimous in the Darjeeling hills, the Opposition to it is as strong in the rest of Bengal, an observer added. The Darjeeling hills elect three MLAs in the 294-seat Bengal Assembly.

West Bengal Party Keen To Join North East Leaders' United Political Front

The push to create a unified regional political front in the North East and North Bengal has gathered momentum, with West Bengal's Darjeeling district-based party, the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front, expressing interest in joining the newly formed

West Bengal to Name New Stadium After Cricketer Richa Ghosh

Mamata Banerjee announces Darjeelings new cricket stadium will honour Indias rising star from Siliguri.

Darjeeling schools exempted from singing West Bengal State anthem in assemblies: Gorkhaland administration

The West Bengal government, on November 4, issued a notification that Rabindranath Tagore song Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol will be sung in morning assembly in schools across the State

Bangladeshi national held with fake Indian IDs in Bengal

A Bangladeshi national was caught with Indian identity cards in Bengdubi, Darjeeling. This occurred during a security drive and document check of civil personnel. The individual possessed an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and Voter ID. He was handed over to the police for further investigation. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance military station security and identify potential threats.

Tears, tributes and packed halls as Zubeen Gargs last film Roi Roi Binale shatters records across Assam

GUWAHATI: Fans could not hold back their tears, both inside and outside theatre halls, after watching Roi Roi Binale , the last film featuring music icon Zubeen Garg, who died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19. The movie, directed by Rajesh Bhuyan and released on Friday, ran to packed houses across Assam and broke all opening day records, with most theatre halls scheduling up to five shows a day. The screening started as early as 4.25 am at several theatres. Tickets for all shows for the first week were sold out, and fans had booked the first three days tickets within an hour last week. The state is still grieving Gargs untimely demise, and there was an outpouring of emotion as fans thronged single-screen and multiplex theatres. In viral videos, some were seen seated long after shows were over, sobbing. As a mark of silent tribute, several theatre halls kept one seat reserved for Garg, 52. Roi Roi Binale was his dream project. For the first time in the history of Assamese films, a movie is being released in different parts of the country. It was screened in Patna, Ranchi, Dhanbad, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Mysore, Vellore, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Lucknow, Jaipur, Vapi (Gujarat), Indore, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Raniganj, Maldah, Siliguri, Agartala, Dharmanagar, Cooch Behar, Raipur and Nagpur, said Siddharth Goenka, the films distributor. As a mark of silent tribute, several theatre halls kept one seat reserved for Garg, 52. Roi Roi Binale was his dream project. In cities like Bengaluru, Assamese films were earlier screened in only one or two theatres, but this time, it premiered in 17 theatres simultaneously. There will be 600 shows daily in Assam and the rest of the Northeast alone, which is unprecedented. Outside the Northeast, 96 halls would screen the movie with 170 shows daily, Goenka added. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a constituent of Assams ruling coalition, booked all 218 seats for a show at a multiplex in Guwahati. AGP ministers Atul Bora and Keshab Mahanta watched the film along with party leaders and workers. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he would watch it privately. If I go to a cinema hall, it will cause inconvenience to people as I will be accompanied by my security personnel, he said. Garg plays the lead role of a blind musician in Roi Roi Binale , a musical love story that recounts the life and struggle of a visually impaired artist who experiences the world through sound, imagination and love. The film features 11 songs, all composed by Garg himself.

Three die as car falls into ditch in Darjeeling hills

KOLKATA: At least three persons were killed and five others injured when a vehicle rolled into a ditch on way to Kurseong from Darjeeling in West Bengal, a senior police officer said Friday. The accident occurred in the hills on Thursday night when the driver failed to negotiate a sharp bend. While two persons died on the spot, another succumbed later. The injured are being treated in a hospital, the officer said. The hill region was lashed by rain on Thursday, and the Met Office predicted heavy showers in some pockets on October 31. A probe is underway to ascertain factors behind the accident, the officer said.

All 143 Bengal BLOs report for duty after EC ultimatum; WB CEO site logs one crore hits, adds features to manage surge in SIR load

All 143 block-level officers have resumed their duties. SIR-related camps are now underway in Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, and Darjeeling. The West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's website has seen one crore hits. Special steps are being urged for former enclave residents to ensure their voting rights.

Cyclone Montha to Bring Heavy Rain Over Bengal

The IMD warned that landslides may occur in the hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, owing to the downpour

Gorkha body honours eminent ecologist Dr Eklabya Sharma

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Oct 28: The Gorkha Association Shillong on Tuesday felicitated Dr Eklabya Sharma, an eminent Indian ecologist and environmental scientist and specialist, who was awarded Padma Shri in 2024, at a special felicitation function in his honour at Upper Mawprem Cultural Centre, Shillong. Dr Sharma hails from Kurseong, Darjeeling, and attends his []

Cyclone Montha to bring heavy rain in several West Bengal districts

KOLKATA: Cyclone Montha is likely to bring heavy rain in several districts across West Bengal from Tuesday to Friday, the IMD said. The weather system, situated over the Bay of Bengal, is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday night, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a special bulletin. The Met advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the West Bengal coast till Thursday. It warned of the possibility of landslides in the hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts and waterlogging in low-lying areas in the plains. While light to moderate rain is expected over many places in south Bengal, heavy rain is likely to occur over North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Purba and Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum and Murshidabad districts between Tuesday and Friday, it said. The IMD said heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 20 cm) is likely over the north Bengal districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar, and heavy downpour is likely over Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur and Malda districts. Coastal Andhra, Odisha on high alert as Cyclone Montha approaches

West Bengal's booth-mapping process reviewed during ECI meeting in New Delhi

Election Commission of India reviewed West Bengal's booth-mapping and Special Intensive Revision preparedness. CEOs from most states attended the New Delhi meeting. Bengal's booth mapping will continue via BLO app. Over 3.96 crore electors' names are uploaded. Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts are exceptions to completed booth mapping.

West Bengal Government appoints task force for flood reconstruction work in North Bengal

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista claimed that his convoy was attacked in Darjeeling district on Saturday. Stones were thrown on his convoy and one vehicle of the MPs convoy suffered minor damage

In letter to Modi, Mamata seeks revocation of appointment of interlocutor on Gorkha issues

KOLKATA, Oct 18: Expressing surprise and shock over the appointment of an interlocutor to hold discussions on the issues relating to Gorkhas, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanded revocation of the decision. Banerjee claimed her government was not consulted before retired IPS officer Pankaj Kumar Singh was appointed as an interlocutor to hold discussions on the issues relating to Gorkhas in Darjeeling Hills, Terai and Dooars regions of West Bengal, [] The post In letter to Modi, Mamata seeks revocation of appointment of interlocutor on Gorkha issues appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Centre names interlocutor to hold talks with Gurkhas

Political parties in the Darjeeling Hills have hailed the appointment of the interlocutor

'Mahakaal' temple will be constructed in Siliguri: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that a large 'Mahakaal' temple will come up in Siliguri, for which a trust will be formed. Speaking to reporters in Darjeeling, she said the temple will be constructed next to the proposed convention centre in Siliguri. Mahakaal is another name of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. A large Mahakaal temple will come up near the proposed convention centre in Siliguri. For this, a trust needs to be formed, she said after offering prayers at the Mahakaal temple in Darjeeling. Banerjee is also credited with setting up the Jagannath temple in Digha. The chief minister is on a public outreach programme in North Bengal, which had suffered heavily due to torrential rains and landslides in which 32 people had lost their lives. She said the land for the temple will be given by the state government, while the construction of the temple will take some time.

Death & Displacement: Bengals Climate Wake-Up Call

At least 28 people were dead across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. Over 100 landslides were recorded in just two days.

Didi Wants Bhutan to Check Water to Stop Flood in Bengal

Ms Banerjee said at an administrative meeting in Darjeeling, I don't want to throw funds into the water. First, water from Bhutan has to be reduced. Whoever represents us will have to tell them that they need to help us since a huge devastation happened here. Secondly, Bengal has to be made a member.

Mamata Banerjee announced Rs 1.2 lakh for families who lost homes in landslides

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Mirik, Darjeeling, after devastating landslides. She met affected families and promised financial aid for damaged homes. Relief efforts are underway, including rebuilding houses and bridges. The Chief Minister highlighted the swift distribution of compensation and jobs to victims. Administrative meetings reviewed ongoing work, with all affected areas cleared and relief camps operational.

Mamata visits landslide-hit Mirik, says government ensuring 'round-the-clock relief ops'

DARJEELING: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday visited landslide-hit Mirik in Darjeeling district and met the affected people. A total of 32 people have been killed, including 27 in Mirik and Darjeeling alone, and thousands rendered homeless in floods and landslides in north Bengal earlier this month following heavy rain. This was Banerjee's second visit to the landslide-hit area. Banerjee met with the families of the victims and assured them of all help from the administration. She, along with senior officials of the state government, reviewed the progress of the relief work. Banerjee said her government has mobilised all resources to ensure comprehensive and round-the-clock relief operations across north Bengal. Over the past few days, I have been personally monitoring and reviewing the relief and rehabilitation efforts underway across the flood and landslide-affected areas of north Bengal following the extreme rainfall earlier this month. Day before yesterday, I visited Hasimara in Alipurduar, and yesterday, I travelled to Nagrakata, Chalsa, Mal, and Kurseong, meeting affected families, interacting with officials, and overseeing the ongoing restoration work on the ground, Banerjee posted on X earlier in the day. Today, I shall visit Mirik to personally assess the situation in the landslide-affected areas and ensure that every affected person receives the support they need. Tomorrow, I will convene an administrative meeting for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Mirik, she added. Earlier in the day, a senior bureaucrat had told PTI that Banerjee skipped her scheduled visit to Mirik and she was likely to hold a review meeting with BDOs in Kurseong, both in Darjeeling district. Initially, the CM was scheduled to visit Mirik on Tuesday, but she will instead hold a review meeting with block development officers (BDOs) at the Jorbanglow BDO office in Kurseong. The meeting will focus on the progress of relief and recovery operations in the affected areas, the senior bureaucrat had said. The chief minister, during her recent visits, interacted with residents at relief camps and reviewed repair work of key infrastructure damaged in the disaster. During my visit to Nagrakata, I interacted with the residents at the relief camps in Bamandanga and Tandoo, ensuring that food, shelter, and medical facilities are being provided without interruption. I also reviewed the repair work of the Tanatani Bridge over the Gathia River, which was severely damaged during the flash floods, and later inspected the Kalikhola Bridge, now restored by the Public Works Department, she said. Over the past few days, I have been personally monitoring and reviewing the relief and rehabilitation efforts underway across the flood and landslide-affected areas of North Bengal following the extreme rainfall earlier this month. Day before yesterday, I had visited Hasimara in pic.twitter.com/mAx8LSdTRn Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 14, 2025 At the Bamandanga relief camp, Banerjee handed over appointment letters for recruitment as Home Guards to the family members of flood victims as part of the state's rehabilitation initiative. Ten beneficiaries, including eight from Jalpaiguri and two from Cooch Behar, received their letters today. I have also announced that every family whose house has been damaged in the calamity will receive financial assistance of Rs 1.2 lakh each for reconstruction under our state scheme, she said. The chief minister said her administration has set up special camps to help people recover essential documents lost during the floods, and school students who lost their books are being provided new study materials. Special camps have been set up to help citizens recover essential documents lost in the floods, while students who lost their books are being provided new study materials, she posted. Natural calamities are beyond our control, but our compassion, preparedness, and collective resolve define our response. The courage, grit, and perseverance of the people of north Bengal continue to inspire me. Our state government will remain by your side, every hour, every day, until normalcy is fully restored, Banerjee added.

Darjeeling landslides: The mountains mourn

Over 30 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides in West Bengal last week. Darjeeling, the Queen of Hills in the States northernmost part was particularly affected. Many people here remain missing in the remotest areas. Beyond the political mudslinging, Shrabana Chatterjee reports on the stories of devastation, even as the floodwaters recede

Women District Magistrates lead relief, rescue operations in flood battered North Bengal

Jalpaiguri DM Shama Parveen and Darjeeling DM Preeti Goyal led the relief and rescue operations in their respective districts, ensuring that no person affected by the floods was left behind

Unplanned construction, climate fury wreck Darjeeling

Unregulated construction and deforestation, exacerbated by climate change, have caused widespread devastation in Darjeeling's hills, particularly Mirik. Incessant rains triggered massive landslides, claiming over 30 lives and displacing numerous families. The Chief Minister is reviewing restoration efforts and providing aid to affected communities.

Mamata to revisit flood-hit north Bengal to review relief, rehab efforts

KOLKATA: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will on Sunday again visit natural calamity-hit north Bengal to oversee the ongoing relief and rehabilitation work, officials said. She will also hold a series of administrative meetings to expedite assistance to the affected families, they said. At least 32 people have been killed and thousands left homeless in landslides and floods in the northern districts of West Bengal since October 4, following heavy rain. Banerjee was in north Bengal for four days since October 5 to oversee the relief work. The CM will, during the day, visit Hasimara in Alipurduar district, where she will chair a high-level review meeting before touring multiple districts, including Darjeeling, to assess the extent of the damage, the officials said, adding she is expected to stay a few days in the region. Officials said a preliminary assessment report has been prepared, indicating that around 12,000 houses have been damaged, of which nearly 6,000 have completely collapsed in the disaster. The figures are, however, yet to be officially confirmed or released, they said. The chief minister had earlier announced financial aid for all affected families and directed district authorities to disburse assistance with wartime urgency. Relief camps have been set up in several areas, providing cooked food and temporary shelter to displaced residents. 'Man-made disaster': Environmentalists blame unplanned urbanisation for Darjeeling landslides The state administration has also restored road connectivity in most locations where transport links were disrupted due to the calamity, officials said. Banerjee has instructed officials to prioritise rehabilitation efforts and complete damage assessments swiftly. The BJP mocked the chief minister's visit, with Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, sharing a video on Saturday, claiming that police personnel were busy arranging and displaying party flags along the roads instead of focusing on relief work. Opposition parties have launched fundraising drives to support victims of the north Bengal disaster. Senior CPI(M) leader Biman Bose was seen collecting funds in Belgachia in Kolkata, where he indirectly blamed unregulated and rampant construction in the hills for aggravating the loss of lives and property. The BJP-controlled Lebutala puja committee has also been collecting donations from local markets for relief efforts. Flash floods, landslides devastate over 30 Darjeeling tea gardens; Rs 50 crore loss feared: Planters

Indian Tea Association urges price stability, relief for Darjeeling sector

The Indian Tea Association is calling for government intervention to stabilize tea prices. They propose production controls and export support. The association also wants regulated tea imports with minimum prices. This comes as the tea sector faces significant financial strain. Over 80% of organized tea estates reported cash losses last year.

Govt to award people who risked lives during rescue operations in North Bengal disaster

West Bengal government will honor firefighters, SDRF, police, engineers, and doctors for their bravery during the recent northern Bengal disaster. The chief minister is also set to visit Darjeeling to review reconstruction efforts. Separately, the state plans to protest the DVC's alleged unannounced water release, which caused flooding in south Bengal.

School Holiday October 9 Thursday: Schools to remain closed in THESE states tomorrow, check full list

Due to severe weather, including landslides and heavy rainfall, schools across Darjeeling, Karnataka, and Jammu will remain closed on October 9, 2025. Authorities have prioritised student safety, urging families to stay updated on local notifications regarding school holidays.

After 36 Killed in Darjeeling Landslides, Locals Lash Out at Political Apathy

Survivors allege shortage of drinking water and medicines days after the disaster struck North Bengal.

BJP MLA Manoj Oraon attacked while distributing flood relief materials

ALIPURDUAR: BJP MLA Manoj Kumar Oraon was on Tuesday allegedly attacked by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers while distributing flood relief materials in Alipurduar, a day after two senior BJP leaders were assaulted by a mob in adjoining Jalpaiguri district. Oraon, who sustained injuries in the incident, claimed that a group of TMC workers attacked him and his supporters when they were distributing relief items among flood-affected villagers in his constituency Kumargram. He was later taken to a hospital for treatment. While trying to help flood-hit people, I was suddenly surrounded and attacked. This is the state of democracy under the TMC, Oraon reportedly said from the hospital. The TMC, however, denied the charges and dubbed them as aseless. The charges are baseless. It was Manoj Oraon who had assaulted an aged man in his area first, a local TMC leader said. The West Bengal unit of the BJP strongly condemned the incident, accusing the ruling TMC of error politics in the state. Whenever we stand beside flood-hit people in north Bengal, the TMC unleashes its rampage! In Mamata Banerjee's rule, even showing solidarity with people in distress has become a crime! BJP MLA Manoj Kumar Oraon, party workers, and central forces were attacked, the party posted on X along with a video of the attack. PTI , however, could not independently verify the authenticity of the video. Bengal BJP demands NIA probe into attack on party MP, MLA in Jalpaiguri, Governor visits injured leaders The TMC does not understand the language of humanity, it only understands the politics of terror. While the people of north Bengal await help amid the devastation caused by floods, the TMC remains busy spreading fear and violence. Trinamool's politics means nothing but hooliganism, lies, and hatred, the BJP said in a post on X. The BJP also shared visuals on social media showing the injured MLA being taken to the hospital and several damaged vehicles in the area. This latest attack comes barely a day after BJP MP Khagen Murmu and Siliguri MLA Sankar Ghosh were injured in an assault during relief distribution in Jalpaiguri district's Nagrakata area on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Monday criticised the TMC regime for its pathetic law and order situation, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit back, accusing him of politicising a natural disaster. Large parts of north Bengal, including Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Darjeeling, have been reeling under severe floods and landslides following torrential rains over the past week, which have left at least 30 people dead and many missing.

Bengal BJP demands NIA probe into attack on party MP, MLA in Jalpaiguri, Governor visits injured leaders

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Tuesday demanded an NIA investigation into the assault on party MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Sankar Ghosh during their visit to the flood and landslide-hit Nagrakata area in Jalpaiguri district a day ago. Both Murmu and Ghosh are currently undergoing treatment at a private medical facility in Siliguri. We demand an NIA investigation into the attack on Murmu and Ghosh, the state BJP president said while addressing a press conference here. The party leaders were attacked by a mob during their visit to the flood and landslide-hit Nagrakata area in Jalpaiguri district. Bhattacharya termed the attack on Murmu, the BJP's MP from Maldaha Uttar, and Ghosh, the Siliguti MLA and the party chief whip in the West Bengal assembly, as pre-planned. He alleged that the two BJP leaders were attacked to create an atmosphere of terror and division on religious lines among people of north Bengal. Alleging that the attack was perpetrated by illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingyas, the BJP state president claimed that the state police had not taken any action to prevent the assault. The Trinamool Congress is engineering attacks at various places to create a fear psychosis among people before the initiation of special intensive revision of electoral rolls, Bhattacharya claimed. If anyone thinks that by attacking BJP parliamentarians and legislators they can create fear among our workers, they are mistaken, Bhattacharya asserted. It is reported that, Murmu may require a surgical intervention to treat the serious facial injuries, including a fractured bone below his eye. The health condition of Murmu, who is still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital, is stable, he said. Murmu has sustained serious facial injuries, including a fractured bone below the eye. He is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU. We are evaluating his condition from time to time and found him to be stable, the official said, according to PTI . The MP may undergo a surgical intervention to treat the injuries. Our doctors are diagnosing it, he said. The health condition of Ghosh, who is also undergoing treatment at the same hospital, is stable, the official added. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose visited the two injured leaders at the hospital, according to a Raj Bhavan official said. Bose inquired about the health condition of Murmu and Ghosh, he said. The governor met the two BJP leaders in the hospital and enquired about their condition. He also spoke to the doctors and the family members of the leaders, the Raj Bhavan official said. West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose meets BJP MP Khagen Murmu after he was attacked by a mob in Jalpaiguri district's Nagrakata area while visiting relief sites, in Siliguri, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Bose is in north Bengal to assess the ground situation after landslides, triggered by heavy rains, devastated parts of the Darjeeling hills and killed at least 30 people. The governor had on Monday criticised the attack on the BJP leaders and urged the authorities to ensure that law and order is maintained in the area and such incidents do not recur. (With inputs from PTI) Darjeeling landslide toll rises to 24 as rescue efforts continue amid rainfall

Heard Rocks Striking Our House: Survivor Recounts Darjeeling Horror

A community hall is a shelter to over 20 families from Darjeeling's Soureni village which was struck by devastating landslides and floods two days ago.

Showers drench north India, fresh snowfall in J-K; toll in north Bengal landslides rises to 28

NEW DELHI, Oct 6: Rain lashed parts of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, while fresh snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, causing the mercury to drop in several northern states on Monday. In West Bengal, the death toll in Darjeeling landslides rose to 28 on Monday with six people still missing, as rescue teams battled rising waters across the hills. The disaster has also ignited a fierce political confrontation between the ruling [] The post Showers drench north India, fresh snowfall in J-K; toll in north Bengal landslides rises to 28 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Broken roads, lost signals leave tourists unreachable in North Bengal

Tourists, including foreigners, are stranded in North Bengal's Darjeeling and Alipurduar due to incessant rains, with horrifying experiences reported. Airfares have skyrocketed, and tour operators are concerned about remote homestays. The Chief Minister stated that many tourists have been rescued and arrangements are being made for those still stranded.

Didi Calls Darjeeling Disaster Man-Made, Offers 5 Lakhs, Jobs to Victims Kin

She said, There was a 300-mm rainfall which continued for 12 hours straight in North Bengal.

Darjeeling landslides claim 18 lives; roads, bridges destroyed, BJP slams govt for negligence

'Man-made disaster': Environmentalists blame unplanned urbanisation for Darjeeling landslides

DARJEELING: Environmentalists described the landslides in Darjeeling as a man-made ecological disaster, the inevitable outcome of decades of deforestation, unplanned urbanisation and poor governance that have pushed the fragile Himalayan slopes to the brink. They said the way forward lies in decentralised disaster planning, strict enforcement of construction norms, and climate-sensitive development to prevent the 'Queen of the Hills' from turning into a recurring disaster zone. The picturesque Darjeeling hills, long a refuge for weary travellers, now bear the scars of nature's fury. Twelve hours of relentless rain triggered a chain of deadly landslides that killed over 20 people and left scores homeless. The serene slopes have turned into sites of wreckage and despair -- a grim reminder that nature's retribution often follows human neglect. Environmentalists and experts who have long warned of such a catastrophe said this was not an unpredictable calamity, but the result of years of ecological exploitation and administrative apathy. The hills are paying for decades of neglect -- deforestation, unplanned roads, and reckless construction have made the terrain unstable. The rain is only the trigger; the real cause is how we have treated the mountains, said environmentalist Sujit Raha, a member of the North Bengal Science Centre. There is no proper disaster management plan in place to tackle such crises. The administration and authorities must take this problem seriously and not treat it as an annual tragedy, he said. Unchecked urban growth, poor drainage systems and hill-cutting for construction altered Darjeeling's ecosystem beyond recognition, he added. Disaster management expert Shailendra Mani Pradhan, a professor at Sarojini Naidu College for Women in Kolkata, said the landslides were a direct fallout of unregulated development in one of the country's most ecologically sensitive zones. Darjeeling lies in a high seismic area and is naturally prone to landslides. Yet, infrastructure development for tourism and housing continues without any adherence to building bylaws or drainage norms. The terrain is being pushed to its limits, he said. He pointed out that the rampant construction of multi-storey buildings on unstable slopes, particularly in Mirik, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Darjeeling towns, has increased the risk manifold. He called for decentralisation of disaster management, saying that while national and state-level frameworks exist, district-level disaster management committees remain largely non-functional. People must be sensitised to the ecological risks of violating construction norms. Around 7080 per cent of land in Darjeeling Municipality has been allotted for residential purposes, which is unsustainable, he said. Environmental scholar Vimal Khawas said the tragedy fits a recurring pattern of extreme climatic events that have haunted the region for decades. What we are seeing now is not new, but the scale of devastation this time reflects both natural vulnerability and growing human pressure on a fragile Himalayan ecosystem, he said. Habitations have spread into marginal areas where construction should never have been allowed. Weak enforcement of land use regulations, especially after the Gorkhaland agitation, has led to rampant building and road expansion without adherence to safety norms, said Khawas, a professor at JNU's Special Centre for the Study of Northeast India. He said the pattern of disasters seen in Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh reflects a larger Himalayan crisis driven by global climate change, compounded by local governance failures. He said Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), which administers the Darjeeling hills, lacks both expertise and infrastructure for disaster management. The plans are mostly drawn up in Kolkata without factoring in the local topography. What Darjeeling needs is a locally driven disaster preparedness plan linked with climate action and inter-departmental coordination, especially in managing water resources, he said. Environmental activist Subhas Dutta said the recurring landslides underline the need for a long-term environmental management plan for the entire north Bengal-Sikkim belt. The continuous soil erosion in the hills is causing stones and sand to flow down into the plains, raising the riverbeds and disturbing their natural course. As a result, many riverbeds now lie higher than the surrounding inhabited areas, increasing the risk of floods, he explained. Environmental expert Satyadeep Chhetri warned that the eastern Himalayas have moved from climate change to the climate crisis phase, urging relocation of habitations from high-risk zones and rehabilitation of affected families. The refilled South Lhonak glacial lake poses a renewed threat, and the shift of extreme rainfall to September-October signals a dangerous new climatic pattern for the region, he said. Chetri claimed that large-scale hill-cutting for highways and the ongoing construction of the railway line to Rangpo have destabilised the terrain. The recent disaster bears grim echoes of the October 1968 deluge, when nearly 1,000 people perished as continuous downpours washed away entire settlements across the hills and plains.

West Bengal rains, landslides: Mamata announces compensation for families of deceased

Darjeeling districts Mirik, a popular tourist spot, was the worst affected, with at least 11 bodies recovered from the area. Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts have all been hit hard by the rains. Many people are still missing, and the death toll is expected to rise.

Death Count In Darjeeling Landslides Rises To 24, Rescue Ops Underway

The toll in the devastating landslides in West Bengal's Darjeeling district rose to 24, as disaster management personnel continued the rescue operation on Monday with several people still missing.

Bengal Governor cuts short personal visit to southern states, rushes to landslide-hit Darjeeling

The Governor will also submit a report in the evening with specific recommendations to the competent authorities

Toll in Darjeeling landslides rises to 24, rescue ops on as several people remain missing

DARJEELING (WB), Oct 6: The toll in the devastating landslides in West Bengals Darjeeling district rose to 24, as disaster management personnel continued the rescue operation on Monday with several people still missing and thousands of tourists stranded in cut-off hill pockets, officials said. North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha said the toll rose with the recovery of one more body late Sunday night. The situation remains extremely challenging. Several people are still missing, and the toll is likely to [] The post Toll in Darjeeling landslides rises to 24, rescue ops on as several people remain missing appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

J&K: Parts of Srinagar get heavy rain, IMD predicts thunderstorm, gusty winds

Heavy rainfall impacted Srinagar, with more predicted by IMD. Schools in Jammu were closed due to forecasts, while earlier rains damaged Rajouri. Meanwhile, incessant downpours in North Bengal caused severe landslides, waterlogging, and extensive damage, leading to 18 fatalities in Darjeeling.

Darjeeling landslide toll rises to 24 as rescue efforts continue amid rainfall

DARJEELING: The death toll from the devastating landslides in West Bengals Darjeeling district has risen to 24, as rescue operations continue with several people still missing and thousands of tourists stranded in isolated hill areas, officials said on Monday. North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha confirmed the toll increased following the recovery of one more body late on Sunday night. The situation remains extremely challenging. Several people are still missing, and the toll is likely to rise. Continuous rainfall is hampering rescue efforts, he told PTI. Triggered by over 300 mm of rain in just 12 hours, the landslides have ravaged large parts of the Darjeeling hills and the Dooars region at the foothills, according to officials. Among the worst-affected areas are Mirik, Sukhiapokhri and Jorebunglow in Darjeeling district, and Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri. Rescue operations, led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are ongoing across multiple sites, with heavy earth-moving machinery deployed to locate individuals feared trapped beneath debris. Clearing operations are underway at more than 40 landslide points. Our teams are working around the clock to reopen the MirikDarjeeling and Sukhiapokhri roads, an official said. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit the affected areas later today. At least 20, including children killed as heavy rain triggers landslides in West Bengals Darjeeling Relief camps have been set up by the district administration in coordination with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and local NGOs. Food, blankets, medicines, and drinking water are being provided to all displaced families, an official confirmed. A GTA official stated that road connectivity to several hamlets remained cut off even 24 hours after the disaster. Entire slopes have caved in, bridges have been washed away, and large portions of roads are buried under mud. Helicopter sorties may be necessary to reach some remote villages, he added. Hundreds of tourists who had travelled to the hills for Durga Puja holidays remain stranded, as arterial roads to Siliguri at the foothills are blocked. Efforts are being made to help them reach Siliguri in batches via alternative routes, another official noted. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy to very heavy rainfall in the region until Tuesday morning, with an alert issued for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar districts. Given the saturated soil and ongoing rain, the risk of fresh landslides remains high, said an IMD official.

Rains LIVE: At least 23 killed in worst Darjeeling landslides in a decade

CM Mamata Banerjee opens 24x7 control room, to visit North Bengal today

Darjeeling landslide: At least 20 killed, homes swept away, CM to visit site today

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be visiting Darjeeling today. She chaired an emergency meeting on the north Bengal floods on Sunday.

Weather Today: Heavy rains lash parts of India as north and east brace for storms; West Bengal floods worsen

IMD Today Weather Update: India faces widespread heavy rainfall today. Authorities warn of continuing flood risks in eastern regions. West Bengal reports 28 deaths and dozens missing in Darjeeling hills. Mirik remains cut off. Delhi-NCR expects rain and gusty winds. Eastern and central states anticipate heavy showers. Weather systems bring widespread disruption.

Bengal floods: Trajectory change of low-pressure system led to havoc

North Bengal faced devastating floods due to an unexpected recurve of a low-pressure system, meteorologists confirmed. Originating in the Bay of Bengal, the system shifted from its usual path towards north Bihar, bringing extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 200mm in areas like Darjeeling. This unusual trajectory, influenced by retreating monsoon winds, also impacted Kolkata.

Bengal floods: 28 dead, dozens missing as rain ravages Darjeeling hills; tourist town of Mirik badly hit

Heavy overnight rain caused landslides and flooding in North Bengal. At least 28 people died, mostly in Mirik. Bridges collapsed, isolating towns and stranding tourists. Rescue operations are ongoing in affected areas. The Chief Minister announced immediate assistance. Rivers are flowing above danger levels. Animals fled submerged forests.

PM Modi issues statement after Darjeeling landslides: 'Authorities are closely...'

PM Modi on Sunday expressed deep concern over the heavy rainfall and landslides in Darjeeling and offered condolences to families who lost loved ones, wishing those injured a speedy recovery while assuring that authorities were closely monitoring the situation. Read on to know more.

20 killed after rain triggers landslides in Darjeeling Hills

Incessant rains triggered devastating landslides and floods across North Bengal, killing at least 20 people and injuring many. The deluge damaged homes, collapsed bridges, and blocked major highways, stranding thousands of tourists. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced compensation, while NDRF teams are actively engaged in rescue operations amidst widespread destruction.

20 Killed In Darjeeling Landslides, Tourist Spots Closed; CM To Visit Site Tomorrow | Top Updates

At least 20 killed in Mirik and Darjeeling hills as rain triggers landslides. CM Mamata Banerjee and Governor to visit. PM Modi and President Murmu express grief.

Witnesses Narrate Darjeeling Bridge Collapse Horror, How They Escaped

Residents in West Bengal's Darjeeling narrated the horror they lived through in the pitch black night at 2.30 am when a key bridge in the area collapsed. A local told NDTV the bridge took along two houses as it came crashing down into the river.

Hills in chaos: 20 killed as landslides hit Bengal's Mirik and Darjeeling; hundreds of tourists stranded - 10 points

The Darjeeling-Mirik region is grappling with one of the worst landslide incidents in recent memory, claiming at least 20 lives and stranding tourists during the festive season. With heavy rains forecast to continue, authorities are racing against time to rescue the stranded, restore connectivity, and provide relief to affected families.

Rome burning Nero fiddling: BJP slams Mamata Banerjee over carnival amid Darjeeling landslide; accuse her of 'prioritising festivities'

West Bengal BJP criticized CM Mamata Banerjee for attending a Durga Puja carnival as over 20 people died in Darjeeling landslides. BJP leaders accused her of indifference and prioritizing festivities over governance during a natural disaster. The Trinamool Congress defended her, stating she is monitoring the situation and will visit affected areas soon.

News18 Evening Digest: PM Modi Expresses Grief Over Darjeeling Rain Deaths, Air India Flight Lands Safely After RAT Deploys & Other Stories

We are also covering: Madhya Pradesh Doctor Arrested For Prescribing 'Toxic' Cough Syrup After Death Of 14 Children and IND Vs PAK, Women's World Cup 2025.

Darjeeling bridge mishap | 'Deeply pained, situation being monitored': PM Modi extends condolences to families

PM Modi Condoles Loss Of Lives Due To Bridge Mishap In Darjeeling

The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected, he added in his post

Tourists In North Bengal Advised To Stay Where They Are, Mamata Banerjee Says Police Will Rescue Them

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday expressed deep concern over the devastating floods and landslides that have killed at least 17 people in Darjeeling and cut off road connectivity to key routes, including access to Sikkim

Darjeeling landslides: Homes, bridge, roads, tea gardens washed out scary visuals West Bengal rain havoc emerge

Torrential rains have unleashed widespread devastation in Darjeeling, triggering massive landslides that claimed at least nine lives and isolated remote villages. Homes and tea gardens were buried, and a crucial bridge collapsed, disrupting transportation. Rescue efforts face challenging terrain and continuous rainfall. Authorities are monitoring the dire situation as IMD issued a red alert, urging expedited aid for affected communities.

News18 Afternoon Digest: 14 Killed In Darjeeling Landslide, Doctor Arrested For Prescribing 'Toxic' Cough Syrup And More

We also covered: 14 Killed As Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides In Darjeeling and Sonam Wangchuk Demands Judicial Probe In Ladakh Violence Deaths.

Darjeeling: 17 dead after massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall, tourist spot closed as key routes cut off

At least 17 people dead, after a massive landslide in Darjeeling, North Bengal due to heavy rainfall.

Nine dead, two missing as heavy rain triggers massive landslides in Darjeeling

Darjeeling: At least nine people died and two others went missing as incessant heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides across the Darjeeling hills on Saturday, sweeping away homes, damaging roads, and cutting off several remote hamlets, officials said. Rescue and relief operations are underway by the local administration, police, and disaster response teams, Darjeeling Sub-Divisional Officer Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

'Deeply Pained By Loss Of Lives': PM Modi Expresses Grief Over 14 Deaths Amid Heavy Rain In Darjeeling

PM Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a bridge mishap triggered by heavy rains in Darjeeling. He said the situation in the region is being closely monitored.

Seven Killed In Landslide In Darjeeling; Rescue Operations Underway

Darjeeling, Oct 5: At least seven people were killed in a major landslide triggered by incessant rainfall in the Darjeeling subdivision of West Bengal on Saturday, officials said. The landslide, which occurred near one of the hill slopes on the Mirik-Sukhiapokhri road, disrupted vehicular movement and snapped communication links to several nearby areas, they said. At least seven deaths have been reported due to a major landslide in Darjeeling subdivision triggered by heavy rainfall since last night. We dont have [] The post Seven Killed In Landslide In Darjeeling; Rescue Operations Underway appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Several feared dead as heavy rain triggers landslips in Darjeeling

The official said that rescue and relief operations are currently underway, with local administration, police, and disaster response teams rushing to the spot

Seven killed after heavy rain triggers landslides in West Bengal's Darjeeling

At least seven people were killed after heavy rainfall triggered a major landslide in in Darjeeling district of West Bengal on Sunday morning. An official said that rescue and relief operations are currently underway. At least seven deaths have been reported due to a major landslide in Darjeeling subdivision triggered by heavy rainfall since last night. We don't have the exact figures right now as the rescue and relief work has just started, Darjeeling Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Richard Lepcha told PTI. The region has been placed under a red alert due to persistent heavy rainfall. The Dudia Iron Bridge, connecting Mirik and Kurseong, has also collapsed, cutting off access to key towns. The bridge collapse has further complicated rescue and relief efforts. #WATCH | West Bengal Movement of vehicles has been restricted on the Siliguri-Darjeeling SH-12 road after a portion of Dudhia iron bridge collapsed due to heavy rain in North Bengal. pic.twitter.com/0Rv61YekTa ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2025 Visuals on social media show large swathes of road covered in debris, highlighting the scale of disruption. Teams from the State Disaster Management Department and the Darjeeling district administration have been deployed, along with local volunteers, to assist in the rescue operations. Further details are awaited. (With inputs from PTI)

Several feared dead after heavy rain triggers landslides in West Bengal's Darjeeling

Several people are feared dead after heavy rainfall triggered landslides in parts of Mirik in Darjeeling district on Sunday morning. An official said that rescue and relief operations are currently underway, with the local administration, police, and disaster response teams rushing to the spot. Several casualties are feared due to a major landslide in Darjeeling district, triggered by heavy rainfall since last night. We don't have the exact figures right now, as the rescue and relief work has just started, the officer told PTI. Unconfirmed reports claim that 11 people have died in the landslide, according to PTI. The region has been placed under a red alert due to persistent heavy rainfall. The Dudia Iron Bridge, connecting Mirik and Kurseong, has also collapsed, cutting off access to key towns. The bridge collapse has further complicated rescue and relief efforts. #WATCH | West Bengal Movement of vehicles has been restricted on the Siliguri-Darjeeling SH-12 road after a portion of Dudhia iron bridge collapsed due to heavy rain in North Bengal. pic.twitter.com/0Rv61YekTa ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2025 Visuals on social media show large swathes of road covered in debris, highlighting the scale of disruption. Teams from the State Disaster Management Department and the Darjeeling district administration have been deployed, along with local volunteers, to assist in the rescue operations. Further details are awaited. (With inputs from PTI)

West Bengal rains: Several dead as landslides hit Darjeeling district; iron bridge collapses

Kalimpong faced multiple landslides on Saturday after continuous heavy rainfall, disrupting traffic on NH10 and NH717A. Authorities confirmed no major damage or casualties, with teams actively clearing debris to restore connectivity. Heavy rain is predicted for West Bengal until October 6 due to a Bay of Bengal depression, urging vigilance.

Several feared dead in Darjeeling as landslides triggered by heavy rain hit West Bengal district

Incessant rainfall triggered multiple landslides in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, with several feared dead. This follows similar disruptions in Kalimpong, closing key routes like NH10 and NH717A, heavily affecting Bengal-Sikkim traffic. Authorities are clearing debris, while the IMD forecasts heavy rain for the region due to a Bay of Bengal depression.

14 Dead In Darjeeling As Heavy Rain Hits North Bengal, Tourist Spots Shut

Continuous overnight rain has caused severe disruptions across North Bengal, with at least three people reported dead due to landslides in Darjeeling's Mirik and Sukhia Pokhari.

Darjeeling landslide: At least 6 dead after bridge collapse, roads cut off; IMD warns of...

West Bengal's Darjeeling has been hit by severe landslides and a bridge collapse due to heavy rainfall, resulting in at least six deaths. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the region, indicating heavy rainfall is expected.

Rain Havoc In North Bengal: Multiple Landslides In Darjeeling Leave 5 Dead; IMD Issue Warnings

North Bengal Weather Update: A landslide on National Highway 717E, the alternative route connecting Siliguri and Sikkim, has brought traffic to a standstill.

Viral video: Goddess Durga's idol taken on iconic toy train for immersion in Darjeeling

A video shared online shows devotees surrounding the idol on the platform, offering prayers before it was placed on the train for its journey to the immersion site.

Government launches courses on tea tasting & tea sommeliers

The government launched NCVET-approved skill courses for tea sommeliers and tasting, announced by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. These specialized programs, conducted by Tea Board India at the Darjeeling Tea Research and Development Centre, aim to skill youth and promote tea literacy. Courses include Tea Sommeliers (60 hours) and Fundamentals of Tea Tasting (210 hours).