The Senior Citizen Tourist Death at Sandakphu West Bengal 2025 has reignited debates about tourist safety in high‑altitude destinations. On November 24, 2025, 72‑year‑old Anandita Ganguly, a resident of Jadavpur in Calcutta, died shortly after reaching Sandakphu, the highest point in Bengal at 11,930 feet. Her death has prompted experts to flag urgent concerns about medical preparedness, infrastructure gaps, and the risks faced by elderly tourists in extreme environments.

2. The Incident: How It Happened

• Anandita Ganguly and her sister Ajinta Banerjee arrived at Sandakphu around 1:30 p.m. by Land Rover.
• Within 10 minutes, Anandita complained of uneasiness.
• Locals advised the sisters not to continue the journey due to altitude risks.
• She was rushed down but declared “brought dead” at Sukhiapokhri block hospital.
• Officials confirmed that the cause of death would be determined after post‑mortem.

Her sudden collapse underscores the medical risks of high‑altitude travel for senior citizens.

3. Sandakphu: The Setting

Sandakphu, located in Darjeeling district, is Bengal’s highest point.

• Altitude: 11,930 feet.
• Known for panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and Everest.
• Popular trekking and tourist destination.
• Accessed via Maneybhanjyang by Land Rovers or trekking routes.

Its beauty attracts thousands, but its altitude poses serious health risks.

4. Expert Concerns: Medical Infrastructure Gaps

Experts have repeatedly warned about:

• Lack of medical screening at Maneybhanjyang, the starting point.
• Absence of oxygen facilities at Sandakphu.
• No permanent medical infrastructure for tourists.
• Delayed implementation of promised safety measures.

The tragedy highlights the failure to act on long‑standing warnings.

5. Senior Citizen Tourist Death: Governance Challenges

The incident exposes governance failures:

• Delayed response to repeated expert recommendations.
• Poor coordination between GTA, forest, and health departments.
• Weak accountability in implementing safety protocols.
• Over‑reliance on local advice rather than institutional safeguards.

6. Human Dimension: Family’s Anguish

The Ganguly family’s grief is compounded by suspicion:

• Losing a loved one in an accident is traumatic.
• Allegations of inadequate medical preparedness deepen mistrust.
• Their protest reflects desperation for accountability.

Their voices reflect the human cost of governance neglect.

7. Historical Context: Past Deaths at Sandakphu

This is not the first tragedy:

• In 2024, three tourists died en route to Sandakphu.
• Similar incidents have occurred in previous years.
• Each tragedy sparked temporary debates but little systemic reform.

The pattern reflects repeated negligence in tourist safety.

8. Broader Implications for Tourism

The incident raises broader questions:

• Can Bengal’s tourism thrive if safety is compromised?
• Will elderly tourists continue to risk high‑altitude travel?
• Does governance risk losing legitimacy if tragedies persist?

9. Recommendations for Reform

Experts suggest:

• Mandatory medical screening at Maneybhanjyang.
• Permanent oxygen facilities at Sandakphu.
• Emergency medical posts along trekking routes.
• Community awareness programs for tourists.
• Policy reforms to integrate health with tourism planning.

10. Comparative Lessons from Other States

Other states have faced similar challenges:

• Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand mandate medical checks for high‑altitude treks.
• Sikkim integrates oxygen facilities at Nathula and Gurudongmar.
• Bengal’s case reflects a national challenge of balancing tourism with safety.

11. Human Stories: Witness Accounts

Local residents described chaos:

• Traffic jams stretched for kilometers.
• Commuters stranded for hours.
• Witnesses expressed sympathy for the family but frustration at disruption.

These accounts highlight the social impact of governance failures.

12. Conclusion: A Test of Governance and Accountability

The Senior Citizen Tourist Death at Sandakphu West Bengal 2025 is more than a local tragedy — it is a test of governance, law enforcement, and democracy in West Bengal. Unless systemic reforms are undertaken, families will remain vulnerable, and public trust in institutions will erode.

The incident underscores the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and compassion in governance.

🔗 Government External Links

For further reading and official updates, here are relevant government sources:

• West Bengal Tourism Department: https://wbtourism.gov.in
• West Bengal Health Department: https://wbhealth.gov.in
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC): https://moef.gov.in
• Ministry of Tourism (Government of India): https://tourism.gov.in
• Press Information Bureau (Government of India): https://pib.gov.in

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