Plain drivers can not travel to different places of interest in the mountains and tourists! This fatwa was issued by Darjeeling's affiliated chalak manch. From September 1, they will no longer allow plain drivers to travel in the mountains. They will only bring tourists and leave them. However, the drivers of the plane are reluctant to accept this fatwa. They claim that driving is allowed in the entire district. There is no room for debate here. However, Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh said that what the Transport Minister will say in this regard.
Vikas Saha on behalf of Bagdogra Taxi Owners Welfare Association said, “We are not complying with this fatwa. That is because we have the permission of the entire Darjeeling district.”
The tourism system of North Bengal has been progressing for a long time with the combination of hills and plains. Numerous car owners and drivers in the hills and plains work hand in hand with each other, maintaining good relations and making a living by serving tourists. The reality is that many car owners and drivers in the plains are also dependent on driving around Darjeeling's various landmarks and taking them to Tiger Hill. Similarly hill carts are also closely related to the tourist transport system of the plains. So it is difficult for this tourism system to run healthy without mutual cooperation. But now complaints are being made that some vehicle drivers in the plains of Darjeeling district after taking tourists to the hills are facing obstacles in visiting the various points of interest in the hills and especially the Tiger Hill. This situation has also created anger among the car owners and drivers of plains. In view of this, the car owners and drivers of a part of the plain have united and taken a stand.
Prasanna Pradhan, editor of Darjeeling's United Drivers' Forum, said, “Why should plain drivers come to the hills and ferry tourists. Then what will happen to us. Let them do as they bring tourists. It is our responsibility to ferry tourists to the hills. We will not allow any vehicle to ply on the plains from September 1.” The plane drivers do not want to pay any attention to this issue. On behalf of the Bagdogra Taxi Owners Welfare Association, Vikas Saha said, “We do not accept this fatwa. That is because we have the permission of the entire Darjeeling district. Besides, any such decision will be taken by the administration. Is it the administration of those who have issued the fatwa?”
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh did not want to say anything about the whole issue. When asked about this, he said, “The transport minister will say what to say about it. I can't say anything.” However, a letter has been sent to several officials of the administration including the Transport Minister on behalf of the Himalayan Hospitality and Tourism Development Network. But the puja is ahead. Gradually, the number of tourists will increase in the mountains. But before that, complications have arisen around this fatwa.