Siliguri, April 24, 2006: The
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is in a serious crunch for funds;
billboards and ads along the tracks seem to be the solution
that the authorities have come up with. This was confirmed
today through a work order issued by the DHR authorities to
private establishments allowing advertisement along the tracks.
Earlier the officials had shunned the display
of billboards along the tracks saying that it would ruin the
aesthetic charm of the tracks; the same people now insist
that it would add to the beauty of the locales. However, the
tourism and environmental officials are not pleased with the
idea; they still comment that the World Heritage asset will
be ruined of its individuality and identity while blocking
the scenic views of the greenery.
A travel agent makes an interesting point:
he says that it would not to be long before the DHR will be
painted with toothpaste, cosmetic and underwear ads. While
a tour operator comments that the DHR is ruining its own image
for the sake of money.
While environmental experts opine that the
billboards will obstruct the free movement of elephants along
Rongtong and Sukna which is a corridor for migrating elephants.
The controversy regarding the announcement
of the DHR officials is apparent, however, no one have provided
an alternative solution for the financial problem that the
World Heritage Site is facing. |
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