Ground Report: Just 20 km From Siliguri, Naxalbari’s Gramoni Village Still Awaits Development Gramoni village, located just 20 kilometers from Siliguri—one of North Bengal’s urban centers—remains a stark example of persistent socio-economic neglect despite its proximity to a developed region. Predominantly inhabited by Adivasi communities, the village faces systemic challenges that have persisted for years, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of basic amenities, inadequate housing, and minimal political attention. The village, situated along the Chenga River, is also vulnerable to environmental threats, including annual land erosion that jeopardizes homes and livelihoods. The village’s strategic location near tea gardens and its significance as an electoral constituency have drawn political attention, particularly as elections approach. However, residents argue that this visibility has not translated into tangible improvements. Political party flags are visible throughout the area, but villagers say leaders have failed to address their needs. Pushpa Pahargoomia, a local resident, highlighted the community’s struggle: “We need a leader from our own community, someone from our village. When the Adivasi Bikash Parishad was formed, we hoped leadership would emerge from within. But once leaders come up, they align with political parties and stop representing us. They don’t take our views into account. Tell us, whom should we vote for? Nobody remembers us except during elections.” The recent visit of President Droupadi Murmu to North Bengal further underscored the disconnect between political figures and the village’s realities. Many women in Gramoni expressed disappointment that no outreach efforts were made to their community.#droupadi_murmu #gramoni_village #siliguri #adivasi_bikash_parishad #chenga_river
