In Darjeeling district, residents oppose hydel projects over small rivers and streams

The rivers have religious significance but the dams threaten to alter their course and put lives and livelihoods at risk, say inhabitants.

Niladry Sarkar, IndiaSpend.com

· Sep 18, 2023 · 07:30 pm

‘Will Mamata Banerjee leave her home?’: Adivasis in Bengal oppose Asia’s largest proposed coal mine

The proposed Deocha-Pachami coal mine in Birbhum has run into opposition because of the impact it will have on the environment.

Niladry Sarkar, IndiaSpend.com

· Feb 20, 2023 · 07:30 pm

Darjeeling’s tea garden workers are struggling to make ends meet

The workers are paid meagre wages, bound by a colonial labour system, without land rights and with little access to government schemes.

Niladry Sarkar, IndiaSpend.com

· Jan 27, 2023 · 01:30 pm

Climate change has put the future of Darjeeling tea in jeopardy

The global economic downturn after Covid-19 and cheaper varieties from Nepal have also hurt the industry.

Niladry Sarkar, IndiaSpend.com

· Jan 19, 2023 · 01:30 pm

A railway line being built in the Himalayas may spell disaster for the fragile region

Local villagers have raised concerns over the declining water table, threat of landslides and construction waste leaching into natural springs.

Niladry Sarkar, IndiaSpend.com

· Aug 24, 2022 · 01:30 pm

A railway project to the China border in Sikkim is violating land rights of indigenous communities

Land for the 45-km-long line that runs through thickly forested regions has been acquired by side-stepping issues of compensation and forest rights.

Niladry Sarkar, IndiaSpend.com

· Aug 19, 2022 · 01:30 pm

In West Bengal’s coal belt, villagers are struggling with joblessness and pollution

Families say they did not get adequate compensation and jobs in lieu of land given for the Sarisatolli coal mine in Asansol.

Niladry Sarkar, IndiaSpend.com

· Mar 30, 2022 · 01:30 pm