Darjeeling gets its 2nd clock tower

Darjeeling: After 97 long years, the Queen of Hills finally got her second clock tower.

The second clock tower built by the Rotary Club of Darjeeling located at the Chowk Bazar will not only adds beauty to the townscape but will also house numerous utility components.

The Rotary Clock Tower was dedicated to the citizens of Darjeeling by the club on Independence Day. "In 2016, the Darjeeling Municipality had allotted 300 sq ft of land to us. The clock tower has come up on this land," stated Udaya Mani Pradhan, advisor, Rotary Club of Darjeeling.

The 40 ft tall structure has the provision to store 12,000 litres of water from which fire engines can refill their tanks.

"This highly congested business area is very prone to fires. The tower will provide fast response in case of any such emergency. The tower is equipped with fire-hydrant hose. We will be keeping a spare key of the tower at the Darjeeling police station, a few meters away so that in case of an emergency, there is no problem," stated Tashi Pencho, the project in-charge.

Rotary has plans to tie up with the Fire department so that 30 to 40 odd local youths can be imparted training.

Along with this, the tower also houses a library and a reading space. Various medical tests including blood glucose levels, blood pressure will also be done free of cost for the underprivileged from here.

The tower, built at a cost of Rs 27 lakh, was inaugurated by Amar Rai, Member of Legislative Assembly, Darjeeling. The money was raised from donation from the members, well-wishers and also the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration. It had clocks on four faces but without a chime.

The first clock tower of Darjeeling is located on the north-west side of the Capitol Hall which was earlier the Town Hall and also houses the Darjeeling Municipality.