The West Bengal government is drawing up a comprehensive long-term strategy to address recurring landslides in the Darjeeling hills and other vulnerable areas of North Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Friday.
Speaking at Nabanna amid concerns over fresh rain-triggered landslides in the hills, Adhikari said authorities had identified 25 vulnerable locations along key mountain roads where slope failures pose a recurring threat to transport links and public safety.
He said a permanent solution would require extensive scientific and engineering interventions, including soil investigations, geological assessments and the preparation of detailed project reports before remedial works could be undertaken.
According to the Chief Minister, the government has already initiated the planning process and is examining measures that would strengthen fragile slopes and improve the resilience of critical road infrastructure in the region.
Adhikari emphasised that financial resources would not be a hurdle for projects aimed at protecting the hill districts and North Bengal. However, he acknowledged that developing and implementing permanent solutions would take time because of the technical studies involved.
A senior state government official said 25 vulnerable points had been identified across key road corridors in the Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas, although the complete list has not yet been made public.
According to the official, the identified locations include several stretches that have witnessed recurring slope failures and road subsidence over the years, including parts of Gayabari, Tindharia, Paglajhora, Mungpoo, Soureni, Giddapahar, Kurseong and the Mirik corridor.
The official said detailed geological assessments were under way and that the final list of vulnerable locations would form the basis of a long-term mitigation programme involving slope stabilisation, drainage improvement, retaining structures and road protection works.
The Chief Minister said the administration’s immediate focus remained on minimising the impact of the monsoon season and preventing loss of life and property. He noted that lessons had been drawn from the severe weather-related destruction witnessed across parts of North Bengal in 2025.
As part of its preparedness measures, the government has strengthened monitoring systems, improved coordination among departments and intensified surveillance of vulnerable locations across the hills.
Senior officials are maintaining round-the-clock oversight of weather conditions and infrastructure, while district administrations have been instructed to respond swiftly to incidents of landslides, road blockages and flooding.
Adhikari said the objective was to ensure that future weather-related emergencies could be managed more effectively while work progresses on a lasting solution to one of the region’s most persistent challenges.