Kolkata/Darjeeling: The Centre and the state would jointly undertake an early scientific assessment of the vulnerabilities of the Himalayan region, said chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday at the launch of a special 200-member state-level, region-specific disaster response squad, ‘Arjun Bahini’, which will be deployed in the aftermath of natural disasters and infrastructure-related emergencies in Bengal.The proposed Himalayan study follows a request from Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista who was virtually connected to the CM’s programme. “I have received your letter and I understand your concern about the Hills following the Nepal incident. Your request for ‘Himalayan Study’ has been forwarded to the chief secretary. The Centre and the state will jointly study the geographical and geological conditions of the Hills and the findings will be shared at the earliest,” said Adhikari.Bista has sought a comprehensive and scientific assessment of the risks, including those arising from glacial lakes, cloudbursts, landslides and changing river behaviour, confronting the Himalayan region of Bengal. In the letter, Bista said the exercise was particularly significant for the Darjeeling Hills, Terai and Dooars, given the difficult terrain and exposure to recurring natural hazards.Adhikari said among the 200 members of Arjun Bahini, 50 will be deployed in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong Hills, 50 in the Sundarbans and 100 in Kolkata. The force has been formed primarily with young personnel and retired soldiers, aged up to 40, associated with the State Sainik Board. The govt plans to later deploy one contingent each at major tourist destinations of Digha, Mandarmani, Mukutmanipur, Tarapith and Terai-Dooars.Members of the force will be known as “Veers”, while team leaders will be called “Veer Nayaks”. Veers will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 25,000 and Veer Nayaks Rs 40,000, with an annual increment of 3%. They will be covered by an insurance of Rs 10 lakh in the event of death and Rs 5 lakh in cases of permanent disability.
