Introduction:

Durgapur is located in Barddhaman in West Bengal and famous for the Steel plant named Durgapur steel plant, a unit of Steel Authority of India LTD. This place was not famous before as now. Previously it was mainly forest area and with some villages. But this place had a good scope to develop as the famous river Damodar is nearby.

When transportation came, it has improved a lot. Thanks to one man: Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. He realized that a state cannot be improved by a lone city of opportunity. Other places had to be developed, and if need be, set up. Durgapur falls under the second category of his achievements. Dr. Roy was the first chief Minister of Bengal and also a renowned doctor and a political friend of the First Prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. So what an Improvements it has been? From a sprawling wilderness, it has developed but how! In terms of commerce and industry, it is often compared to the other city. Today it houses around sixty large and medium sized industries and many smaller ones. Everything from steel, power, natural gas, paper, chemicals to biscuits, cement and software can be found under production in this city. The forests have been systematically cleared to house lakhs of employees of the various companies.

The habitations are so far apart from each other that it appears to be a dream for people elsewhere. Wide roads criss-cross the city with definite and easy access provided for, by the innumerable buses that ply regularly and on time. There is no hanging from the bars or people pouring out through the doors. Communication has improved beyond imagination and almost everyone boasts of a personal vehicle. The roads and sewages system are constantly being upgraded. The natural dryness of the land and an effective drainage system ensures non-stagnation of water and the roads are ever dry. Shanties are a myth as the municipality is renovating and relocating star shops under complexes. Impressive office complexes have been developed, all at one place, for the general convenience. Shopping malls and multiplexes have sprung up and the strength of the throng is enough to proclaim the buying prowess of the people. The city has at least ten decent hotels; three of them falling under the three star category.

Educational institutions abound, some of them renowned, some carving a niche for themselves. The city has four engineering colleges, including an NIT. Besides, there are many other colleges and schools to get education in various streams.. An information technology park, a science park, a horticultural area and various other parks, small and large came up ,What is remarkable however, that despite all the advancement, the city has retained its pristine charm. The forests and trees have been retained as far as possible, so that we see technology and nature in a unique and harmonious co-existence. Tall trees veil chimneys and the generous greenery around have thwarted the steely, cagey look one generally associates with an industrial city. Stadiums have been built and the city plays host to many cultural and sports meets. Their political impacts also on the rise and a lot of investments have been pumped into it for the last few years. There are clubs for those prefer to be social. Otherwise it is a retreat for the sages. The serenity, the almost deafening silence, soothes ones senses. Violence and excitement are concepts, alien to my dream city, my home- Durgapur.

Article Posted By : Ram Prosad Acharyya  On March 10, 2013lView All Articles

I live in Durgpur where I was born and brought up.

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Durgapur then and now.