Harishanker Panicker, IAS dreams to make Darjeeling a global tourist destination

IAS Harishanker Panicker, a 2013 batch officer of West Bengal cadre and currently posted as District Magistrate, Darjeeling is transforming the district into a vibrant tourist hub while enhancing the overall tourist experience. Famous for its tea, Darjeeling, the hill district has much more to offer. “We want to make Darjeeling a global tourist destination under the guidance of Chief Minister and the Tourism Minister” he said.

Leveraging its unique historical and cultural assets-from the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, sprawling tea estates, and colonial era architecture to its scenic hills, the district administration is encouraging visitors to spend more time exploring the rich heritage.

Alongside tourism, the focus is also on promoting horticulture like the renowned Darjeeling mandarin oranges. Additionally, coffee cultivation is also being explored “We want people to have the option of choosing both Darjeeling tea and Darjeeling coffee”. These initiative aims to create new livelihood opportunities and broaden the district's agricultural identity.

Panicker is embracing Darjeeling existing strengths while promoting tourism and agricultural diversification contributing to district's long term economic growth.